20 European Nations Urge EU to Repatriate Illegal Afghan Migrants, Even by Force

Photo File (Internet Geo News) / 20 European Nations Urge EU to Repatriate Illegal Afghan

A coalition of 20 European countries has formally urged the European Commission to initiate the repatriation of Afghan nationals residing illegally across Europe, citing growing security concerns and pressure on asylum systems.

According to Belgian Minister for Asylum and Migration Annelies Verlinden Van den Bossche, the joint letter signed by these nations calls for immediate steps to send undocumented Afghans back to their home country, through voluntary or forced returns, if necessary, and suggests opening talks with the Taliban to facilitate the process.

The signatories include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden, and Norway.

These countries argue that since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, the absence of formal repatriation agreements has prevented the deportation of Afghan nationals — even those involved in criminal activity — posing a “security risk” and undermining public trust in Europe’s asylum policies.

The letter urges the European Commission to prioritize this issue and consider a joint EU mission to Afghanistan in coordination with the European External Action Service to negotiate terms for return. The countries emphasized that criminals and individuals deemed dangerous should be repatriated first.