Agence France-Presse (AFP), citing a diplomatic source, has reported that France has initiated technical negotiations with the Taliban to deport Afghan migrants who have criminal records. The source stated on Wednesday, October 7, that Paris considers this action necessary to "guarantee the security" of the country.
"Like other European countries, France has begun technical talks with the Taliban to be able to directly return Afghan asylum seekers without legal residency who it considers a threat to public order," the diplomatic source added. While the source did not provide details on the exact number of individuals who might be deported, French media have reported the potential expulsion of "hundreds" of people.
This move comes despite France having no diplomatic relations with the Taliban since their return to power in August 2021 and keeping its embassy in Kabul closed. The French Foreign Ministry has not yet officially confirmed the start of these discussions.
France is the fourth European Union country, after Germany, Belgium, and Sweden, to enter into negotiations with the Taliban for the return of Afghan migrants. These talks have intensified with the growing influence of right-wing, anti-immigration parties in Europe, which link the presence of migrants to an increase in crime.
European officials have emphasized that these technical discussions do not equate to recognition of or support for the Taliban government. However, the Taliban has used this opportunity to expand its diplomatic relations, sending diplomats to countries like Germany.
A five-member Taliban delegation traveled to ussels in June to discuss the return of Afghan migrants and participated in a European Union meeting on the matter. This process has raised concerns among human rights activists about the safety of the deported asylum seekers.
Source: Agence France-Presse
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