Taliban restrict Afghans going abroad, raises concern from U.S. and UK

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid speaks throughout a information convention in Kabul, Afghanistan September 6, 2021. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photograph

KABUL, Feb 28 (Reuters) – The Taliban administration’s announcement that it might prohibit Afghans from leaving the nation below sure circumstances drew concern from america and the UK this week amidst fears they might hamper ongoing evacuation efforts.

The Taliban administration’s spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid had stated at a media convention on Sunday that Afghans wouldn’t be allowed to depart the nation until they’d a transparent vacation spot and that ladies couldn’t journey abroad for examine with out a male guardian.

Hugo Shorter, the UK cost d’affaires for Afghanistan, stated in a Tweet on Monday they’d seen the Taliban’s statements.

“These can be unacceptable restrictions on freedom of motion,” he stated. “I name on the Taliban to make clear their remarks urgently.”

It was not instantly clear whether or not the plans would hamper the efforts by worldwide governments and organisations to evacuate hundreds of Afghans who had labored with international embassies, militaries and initiatives and have been eligible for asylum in Western nations however nonetheless in Afghanistan.

A U.S. State Division spokesperson stated late on Monday they have been partaking with the Taliban over the problem.

“We’ve got seen the Taliban statements reported within the press and have raised our considerations with the Taliban,” the spokesperson stated.

“Our capability to facilitate relocation for our Afghan allies depends upon the Taliban residing as much as its dedication of free passage,” the spokesperson added.

Mujahid stated the Taliban’s journey restrictions would apply to Afghans who labored with NATO and American forces, however didn’t elaborate below what, if any, circumstances they’d be capable of evacuate.

“We is not going to permit Afghans to depart the nation until their locations are recognized,” Mujahid stated.

Mujahid blamed poor circumstances in nations the place some Afghans have been being held whereas their visas have been processed after hundreds have been evacuated, at occasions with out finalised visas, by withdrawing international forces within the wake of the Taliban’s take-over of the nation in August.

Common evacuation flights organised by america by way of Qatar have been largely stopped in December over disagreement by the Taliban administration on who ought to be capable of board, sources had informed Reuters.

Reporting by KABUL Newsroom; Extra reporting by Jonathan Landay in Washington; Writing by Charlotte Greenfield; Modifying by Jonathan Oatis and Michael Perry

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