Belgium issues visas to Taliban representatives for EU meeting on Afghan immigration issue
The spokesperson for the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Monday (June 22) that Belgium has issued five visas to a Taliban delegation for their participation in an EU conference in Brussels regarding the repatriation of Afghan immigrants.
In a statement, the spokesperson emphasized that these are visas with limited territorial effect and restricted duration: valid only in Belgium and for a single day. For security reasons, the specific date of the visit will not be disclosed.
A spokesperson for Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot revealed to Euractiv that the visas for the Taliban delegation were issued late Monday afternoon. Prior to this, security assessments carried out by the State Security Service and the country’s military intelligence agency indicated that there was no threat posed by the individuals to Belgian territory.
According to sources familiar with the matter and EU officials, the delegation is expected to arrive on Tuesday, led by Abdul Qahar Balkhi, a spokesperson for the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The visas issued by Belgium are limited to the country and do not apply to the broader Schengen Area.
This visit signifies a significant step in European governments establishing technical-level contacts with the de facto rulers of Afghanistan on issues of immigration and repatriation.
Earlier in April, Euractiv reported that, at the invitation of the European Commission and other countries, a Taliban delegation was expected to arrive in Brussels before the summer to negotiate with EU and national officials on the potential expulsion of convicted Afghans deemed security threats.
EU officials have previously stated that the Brussels meeting was strictly technical and devoid of political representation to avoid any perception of formal recognition of the Taliban government. Thus, the meeting will likely take place at a neutral location such as a hotel or conference center in Brussels, rather than within EU premises.
The discussions between the two parties are expected to focus on practical cooperation mechanisms, including identity verification for repatriated Afghans and issuing travel documents.
According to EU officials involved in foreign affairs and immigration, with European countries tightening immigration policies in recent years, the repatriation negotiations will not only target traditional “illegal immigrants” but primarily focus on three main categories of Afghan groups:
1. Individuals convicted of crimes in Europe:
Governments are under pressure to address this core group, consisting of individuals who may have had legal refugee status or residency but were convicted of serious crimes such as murder, rape, or drug trafficking within Europe. Upon completion of their sentences, their asylum status will be revoked in accordance with the law, classifying them as “significant security threats” subject to mandatory deportation.
2. Individuals whose asylum applications have been rejected:
Refers to Afghans who entered Europe and applied for refugee status but had their applications denied after rigorous review by EU immigration offices or courts, rendering them ineligible for refugee protection. Once the process is completed, they lose their legal right to stay.
3. Individuals whose residency permits have been revoked or have expired:
Individuals who initially held short-term legal residency permits but had them revoked by the authorities due to legal violations, failure to meet renewal conditions, or changes in the circumstances that warranted their initial residency approval (such as specific employment or education) being no longer valid.