Norway Joins 19 EU Nations in Call for Enhanced Afghan Returns

European Nations Advocate for Coordinated Return Policy

Norway, alongside nineteen European Union member states, has formally called upon the European Commission to implement more robust measures for the return of Afghan nationals residing illegally within Europe. The initiative, spearheaded by Belgium's Minister for Asylum and Migration, Anneleen Van Bossuyt, emphasizes both voluntary and forced returns, citing growing security concerns and a perceived erosion of public trust in current asylum policies.

The joint letter, addressed to EU migration chief Magnus Brunner, was signed by Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Germany, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden, and Norway. This collective appeal underscores a shared sentiment among these nations that the current framework for managing irregular Afghan migration is insufficient.

Proposed Measures and Security Justifications

The signatory countries are advocating for several key actions to streamline the return process. These include:

• Tighter coordination between the European Commission, its diplomatic arm the European External Action Service (EEAS), and participating European countries.
• The consideration of a joint EU mission to Afghanistan to facilitate returns and establish communication channels.
• An expanded mandate for Frontex, the EU border agency, to play a more significant role in organizing return and reintegration efforts through the EU's reintegration program.

The letter specifically prioritizes the return of individuals deemed a threat to public order or those who have committed crimes. Minister Van Bossuyt stated that the inability to deport illegal or criminal Afghan nationals, 'even after conviction,' undermines public trust and poses risks to security, necessitating a 'firm and coordinated response.'

Engagement with the Taliban and International Concerns

A notable aspect of the proposal is the call for the European Commission to engage in negotiations with the Taliban regime to establish a formal return policy. This comes as Germany is reportedly nearing a deal with the Taliban authorities to restart regular deportation flights, despite Berlin not formally recognizing the regime. The EU itself maintains that it does not recognize the Taliban, yet is reportedly exploring options for returns.

However, these proposed measures have drawn criticism from international bodies. United Nations officials and human rights experts have previously warned that forced returns to Afghanistan could expose individuals to serious human rights violations, emphasizing the principle of non-refoulement. Organizations have highlighted the ongoing security challenges and humanitarian crisis within Afghanistan, arguing that the country is not safe for returns.

Norway's Stance and Historical Context

Norway's participation in this joint call aligns with its historical approach to Afghan migration. In the past, Norway has been among the European countries with a significant number of Afghan deportations. While advocating for returns, Norway has also provided financial support for Afghan returnees through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), expressing concern over the humanitarian needs in Afghanistan. The current push reflects a broader European effort to regain control over migration flows and address perceived security vulnerabilities.