KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – France has begun “technical” talks with the Taliban to facilitate the deportation of Afghan nationals living illegally in the country who are considered a threat to public order, according to a diplomatic source cited by AFP on Wednesday.
“As in other European countries, a technical dialogue has been initiated with the Taliban in order to facilitate the direct removal to Afghanistan of Afghan nationals in an irregular situation who pose a threat to public order,” the source told AFP.
France has had no diplomatic relations with the Taliban since the group returned to power in August 2021, and its embassy in Kabul remains closed. It has now joined about 20 European Union countries, including Germany, Belgium and Sweden, in efforts to accelerate the return of Afghan nationals, particularly those convicted by courts.
Another source familiar with the matter said the number of potential deportees could reach “hundreds.”
The French Foreign Ministry did not respond to questions from AFP about whether Taliban representatives would be allowed to travel to France as part of efforts to speed up the deportation process.
The Taliban authorities are not formally recognized by the European Union. They have, however, sought to expand international contacts and improve their standing abroad since returning to power.
The talks do not represent a change in France’s broader policy toward Afghanistan, the diplomatic source said. “This technical dialogue does not call our position on Afghanistan into question. We continue to support the Afghan population, particularly Afghan women.”
The move forms part of a wider European effort to engage with Taliban authorities regarding the return of Afghan nationals. Earlier in June, European officials and Taliban representatives held a meeting in Brussels to discuss the return of Afghans residing illegally, especially those who have committed serious crimes or are viewed as security risks.
Germany has gone further than most EU member states. It has allowed Taliban-appointed diplomats to work at Afghan diplomatic missions in Berlin and other cities to handle paperwork for returns and has operated multiple charter flights to Kabul. Berlin has deported more than 200 Afghan men in recent years, including some without criminal records.
UN experts, European lawmakers and human rights groups have criticized the expansion of returns to Afghanistan and increased official contacts with the Taliban. They have warned that Afghanistan remains unsafe for forced returns and that engagement with the Taliban could lend legitimacy to the group despite its human rights record, including severe restrictions on women and girls.
