Taliban Caretaker Government Consults Austria on Identifying Criminal Afghanistani Migrants

DID Press: A delegation from the Taliban caretaker government met with Austria’s Ministry of Interior in Vienna to facilitate identification of Afghanistan nationals slated for deportation. The Austrian ministry described this cooperation as “necessary” for carrying out the deportation of criminal offenders.

According to the report, at least 19 Afghanistan citizens held in Zimering Prison and the Hernals Police Detention Center were presented to the Taliban representatives for identification procedures.

Gerhard Karner, spokesperson for Austria’s Interior Minister, confirmed the discussions and cooperation with the Taliban are part of the country’s “legitimate asylum policy.”

This marks the first time such cooperation has been carried out officially. Earlier this year, an Austrian official traveled to Kabul to establish contact with the Taliban administration.

The Ministry also said that the Taliban delegation’s entry into Austria was “legal,” despite the caretaker government not being officially recognized.

Austria’s approach mirrors actions taken by some other European countries. Germany, for instance, has previously carried out deportations of Afghanistan nationals to Kabul.