INTERNATIONAL — June 12, 2026
Possible Visit by Islamic Emirate Delegation to Belgium for Talks on Repatriating Afghan Migrants
Belgian security agencies have begun initial visa reviews after receiving the delegation list, though no formal application has been filed. The European Union has stressed that any talks would not imply recognition of the Islamic Emirate.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with ToloNews — corroborated by Ariana News — 2 min read
The European Commission has shared a list of Islamic Emirate delegation members with Belgium for a possible visit to Brussels. The purpose of the proposed trip is to discuss the repatriation of Afghan migrants whose asylum claims have been rejected.
Belgian security agencies have begun initial reviews connected to potential visa issuance. No formal visa application has been registered at this stage, and the visit remains under consideration.
The European Union has stated that any engagement would be for practical cooperation on migration matters and would not constitute recognition of the Islamic Emirate. Officials have described the need for constructive dialogue to address returns and related administrative issues.
Analysts have noted rising pressure on several European countries regarding deportations. They view the possible talks as an opening for cooperation on identity verification and consular services, although the initiative has drawn some criticism.
EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner has characterized the visa process as somewhat complicated while underscoring the value of direct discussions. The Belgian Foreign Ministry continues to assess the delegation list amid these developments.
Read the original reporting at ToloNews →
Reliability assessment
Two independent Afghan outlets corroborate the core event of the EU providing the delegation list to Belgium and initiating visa/security reviews for migration talks; minor differences in phrasing of imminence do not affect verification of the reported development.
The source language reads straight.
Independent web corroboration
A separate web search returned 8 matching reports. A selection:
- Afghan delegation expected in Belgium for talks on refugees returns | Ariana News | Afghanistan Newsariananews.af
The Belgian Ministry of Foreign ... for visa issuance now underway. The delegation is expected to hold talks with the European Union focused on the return of Afghan migrants
Belgium begins security checks on Taliban delegation ahead of EU migration talks — In January, delegations from various EU member states, including Belgium, visited the Afghan capital Kabul. Asylum and Migration minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt subsequently called on the Commission to find "diplomatic and practical" solutions
- No option but to talk to Taliban about migrant returns, EU's migration commissoner says | Euronewseuronews.com
Taliban officials were yet to be granted visas to visit Belgium and a date has not been set for the meeting but it has already caused an uproar in Brussels. European governments shut their embassies in Kabul when the Taliban authorities returned
Brussels is bracing for a political storm as European Union officials consider hosting Taliban representatives in the Belgian capital for talks on returning Afghan nationals living in Europe
Across the newsrooms
Where reports agree
- EU/Belgium received delegation list for Brussels migration talks
- Security/visa checks underway or initiated
- Purpose is repatriation of rejected Afghan asylum seekers/migrants
- Talks do not constitute recognition of the Islamic Emirate
- EU officials emphasize need for direct engagement on migration issues
Where reports differ
- Ariana News describes travel as 'imminent' and 'scheduled'; ToloNews describes it as 'possible' with no final decision or registered visa request
- Specific EU officials quoted differ slightly between sources (Magnus Brunner vs. unnamed migration affairs official)
Filed by 2 outlets
ToloNews
Originating
Reported straight
Reported straight
Ariana News
Reported straight
Reported straight
Filed under
International — Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, European Union, Belgium, Afghan migrants, repatriation
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