Belgium holds talks with IEA on repatriation of Afghan nationals

Belgium last week engaged in discussions with the Islamic Emirate authorities regarding the return of Afghan nationals living in Europe without legal documents or with criminal records, according to a report by Het Laatste Nieuws.

Freddy Roosemont, head of Belgium’s Immigration Office, visited Kabul as part of a delegation representing 20 European Union member states for three-day talks with IEA officials.

Anneleen Van Bossuyt, Belgium’s Minister for Asylum and Migration, confirmed the country’s participation, describing the mission as an “administrative recognition” effort coordinated by the European Commission. The mission focused on restoring technical cooperation on administrative matters, particularly identifying individuals eligible for voluntary or forced returns, with priority given to undocumented Afghans with criminal records.

Van Bossuyt emphasized that Belgium does not share values with the Islamic Emirate but highlighted the necessity of administrative cooperation with governments holding differing worldviews. She also assured that Afghan women, children, and other asylum-eligible individuals would not be forcibly repatriated.

Currently, more than 2,000 Afghan nationals remain in reception centers across Belgium.