Tajikistan Orders Afghan Refugees to Leave Within 15 Days

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Authorities detain dozens daily as pressure rises on displaced Afghans
Afghan refugees
Photo: Council on Foreign Relations

Tajikistan began detaining and deporting Afghan refugees. Authorities gave individuals just 15 days to leave the country. Even those with valid residence permits are affected.

Daily Detentions Without Warning

Security officers are conducting daily raids. Dozens of Afghan men are taken from worksites without informing their families. Most are still awaiting immigration decisions. Some are in the resettlement process to Canada. Forced deportations place their lives and legal status at risk.

Human rights groups warn that sudden removals may violate international protection norms.

Rising Regional Pressure on Afghan Refugees

The wave of deportations reflects growing pressure in neighbouring countries. Iran and Pakistan have also intensified expulsions in recent months. Refugees are facing shrinking options for safety across the region.

Over 13,000 Afghans Face Uncertain Future

Tajikistan hosts over 13,000 Afghan nationals. Many are former civil servants, soldiers, or ex-government staff who fled Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover in 2021. With mass deportations now underway, their safety is once again under serious threat.

The international community is urging governments to respect human rights and offer protection to displaced persons.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Uzbekistan backed a UN resolution that criticises the Taliban’s policies in Afghanistan. 

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