US explores third-country resettlement for stranded Afghan allies in Qatar

More than 1,100 Afghans who previously worked with U.S. forces remain stranded in Qatar, as Washington seeks alternative countries to resettle them following delays in relocation programmes.

The group is currently housed at Camp As Sayliyah, a former U.S. military facility in Qatar, where they have been awaiting visa processing and relocation decisions for months.

A report by The Wall Street Journal said U.S. officials are now in discussions with several countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia to take in the Afghanistan nationals. The efforts come after a March 31 deadline to close the facility passed without a clear resolution.

The camp reportedly costs more than $10 million per month to operate, and Qatari authorities have urged the United States to move forward with resettlement plans and shut down the site.

Conditions at the facility have become increasingly difficult, with morale among residents declining as uncertainty over their future grows. Many of those staying at the camp say they fear returning to Afghanistan due to potential reprisals.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns about the prolonged delays. Shawn VanDiver, head of Afghan Evac, said many of the individuals feel stuck in limbo after deadlines passed without clear communication, describing the situation as deeply frustrating for those affected.

U.S. lawmakers have also urged action. Jeanne Shaheen said Washington has a responsibility toward these individuals, warning that they could face serious risks if forced to return home.

Meanwhile, the US State Department has pointed to earlier policy decisions as contributing to the current situation, citing challenges stemming from the withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The situation highlights ongoing difficulties in resettling Afghan allies years after the end of the U.S. military presence, as thousands remain in temporary locations awaiting permanent relocation.