Pakistan deports over 130 Afghans waiting for U.S. visa

Pakistan's mass deportation initiative, initiated on November 1, has led to the forced repatriation of Afghans awaiting resettlement in the United States, highlighting a complex situation for applicants, Reuters reports.

Despite protective letters from the U.S. embassy, Pakistani authorities often ignored them, complicating the plight of over 130 Afghans in the process for U.S. special immigration visas or refugee resettlement. The ongoing deportations exacerbate the difficulties faced by Afghans, dealing with human rights restrictions, financial crises, and harsh winter conditions back in their homeland.

• Deportation Details:

  • Pakistan initiated a mass deportation campaign, leading to the repatriation of over a million undocumented foreigners, primarily Afghans, since November 1.
  • More than 450,000 Afghans have returned home, with many living in challenging winter conditions near the border.

• Impact on U.S. Resettlement:

  • Over 130 Afghans in the process for U.S. special immigration visas or refugee resettlement have been deported, complicating U.S. resettlement efforts.
  • The U.S. embassy's protective letters were often ignored by Pakistani authorities, creating a precarious situation for applicants.

• Humanitarian Challenges:

  • Applicants face human rights restrictions, financial crises, and difficult conditions in Afghanistan.
  • Deportations underscore the challenges faced by Afghans whom the U.S. has vowed to protect and resettle.

• Ongoing Concerns:

  • U.S. officials express difficulty tracking such cases, emphasizing the complex nature of the situation.
  • The deportation initiative stems from a row over accusations that Kabul harbors Pakistani militants, a charge the Taliban deny.

• International Response:

  • The U.S. State Department has provided Pakistan with a list of Afghans "in the U.S. resettlement pipelines" to facilitate coordination.

Earlier it was reported that Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Pakistani authorities of committing extensive abuses against Afghans residing in Pakistan, aiming to force their return to Afghanistan. Since mid-September 2023, Pakistani officials have engaged in mass detentions, property seizures, and document destruction, resulting in the expulsion of over 375,000 Afghans, with 20,000 forcibly deported.

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