20 EU States Push for Accelerated Return of Undocumented Afghanistani Migrants

DID Press: In a coordinated move, 20 European Union member states have submitted a request to the European Commission, urging immediate measures to facilitate both voluntary and forced returns of Afghanistani migrants without legal residency.

The group, including Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Austria, formally asked the Commission to streamline procedures for returning Afghanistani nationals lacking legal status. The countries emphasized the urgency of addressing challenges posed by Afghanistani migrants residing in Europe.

According to Belga News Agency, the initiative was led by Belgium, with its Minister of Asylum and Migration, Annelies Van Bossuwe, highlighting that the continued presence of undocumented migrants—even those with criminal convictions—threatens public trust in Europe’s asylum and security systems.

The signatory countries stressed that returning Afghanistani migrants should be a top priority for the EU, and that practical and diplomatic measures should be employed to achieve this goal. They also proposed an enhanced role for the EU’s border agency, Frontex, in implementing the plan.

Meanwhile, Germany announced that it has entered advanced discussions with Kabul authorities and is prepared to assist other member states in the repatriation of Afghanistani migrants.