Netherlands Expands Asylum Access for Afghan Women

DID Press: Netherlands has revised its asylum policy, stating that women and girls from Afghanistan will in most cases be eligible for residency due to deteriorating human rights conditions under Taliban rule.

Dutch media reported that the Ministry of Asylum and Migration updated its guidelines following a review of a recent report by the Dutch Foreign Ministry.

Under the new policy, Afghan women and girls are broadly considered to qualify for protection because of widespread restrictions on their freedom, education, and social participation imposed by the Taliban.

Officials in the Netherlands said the likelihood of granting asylum to Afghan female applicants has significantly increased compared to previous assessments.