Taliban delegation likely to visit Brussels to discuss Afghan refugee repatriation
Kabul, April 21, 2026 – Reports indicate that Taliban officials may travel to Brussels, the Belgian capital, in the coming weeks to discuss with European officials the process of expelling and returning Afghan refugees from European Union member states.
According to informed sources, the trip, which was previously planned for late March, has not yet been finalized, but efforts are ongoing to hold it before the start of the summer season. A diplomatic source stressed that the Taliban delegation will be mostly “technical”.
Meanwhile, European officials are reviewing the capacity of flights and the status of Kabul International Airport and are simultaneously consulting with the Taliban parties about the fate of those who are to be returned to Afghanistan.
The European Union plans to implement programs to return Afghan refugees without the right to reside, a move that has been met with serious concerns from human rights organizations and the United Nations.
The moves follow previous visits by European officials to Afghanistan for preliminary talks on the refugee issue. However, no formal invitation has been issued to the Taliban delegation so far.
Reports also indicate that about 20 EU member states are considering implementing plans to deport Afghan refugees, especially those who have committed crimes. Germany has started the process since 2024 and has already deported more than 100 people via charter flights. Austria is also pursuing similar measures.