France Initiates Talks with Taliban on Deporting Afghan Nationals

PARIS: France has commenced discussions with the Taliban government to facilitate the deportation of Afghan citizens back to Afghanistan, a diplomatic source confirmed on Wednesday. This move comes as part of a broader initiative involving around 20 EU nations, including Germany, Belgium, and Sweden, aimed at expediting the return of Afghans, particularly those with criminal convictions.

The French government has maintained no diplomatic relations with the Taliban since their resurgence in August 2021, and its embassy in Kabul remains shuttered. However, a technical dialogue has been initiated to address the removal of Afghan nationals deemed to pose a threat to public order, according to the source.

This development underscores the Taliban’s efforts to bolster their international legitimacy, despite their lack of official recognition by the European Union. The discussions may pave the way for a more structured approach to handling Afghan deportations, which have been a contentious issue across Europe.

While the diplomatic source did not disclose the specific number of individuals targeted for deportation, it highlights a significant shift in France’s approach towards the Taliban. The French foreign ministry has yet to clarify whether Taliban representatives will be permitted to visit France to expedite these procedures, leaving the next steps in this diplomatic engagement uncertain.