Taliban restricts Afghans going abroad, raises US-UK concern

The Taliban administration's announcement that it would restrict Afghans from leaving the country under certain circumstances drew concern from the United States and United Kingdom this week amid fears they could hamper ongoing evacuation efforts.

The Taliban administration's spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid (above) said at a media conference on Sunday Afghans would not be allowed to leave unless they had a clear destination.

He also said women could not travel overseas for study without a male guardian.

Hugo Shorter, the UK charge d'affaires for Afghanistan, said in a Tweet on Monday they had seen the Taliban's statements.

"These would be unacceptable restrictions on freedom of movement," he said. "I call on the Taliban to clarify their remarks urgently."

It was not immediately clear if the plans would hamper efforts by international governments and organisations to evacuate thousands of Afghans who worked with foreign embassies, militaries, and projects and were eligible for asylum in Western countries but still in Afghanistan.

A US State Department spokesperson said late Monday they were engaging with the Taliban over the issue.

"We have seen the Taliban statements reported in the press and have raised our concerns with the Taliban.

"Our ability to facilitate relocation for our Afghan allies depends on the Taliban living up to its commitment of free passage," the spokesperson said.

Zabihullah said the Taliban's travel restrictions would apply to Afghans who worked with Nato and American forces, but did not elaborate under what, if any, circumstances they would be able to evacuate.

"We will not allow Afghans to leave the country unless their destinations are known," he said.

He blamed poor conditions in countries where some Afghans were being held while their visas were processed.

This is after thousands were evacuated after foreign forces were withdrawn in the wake of the Taliban’s takeover of the country in August.

At times, those evacuated were without finalised visas.

Regular evacuation flights organised by the United States via Qatar were largely stopped in December over disagreement by the Taliban administration on who should be able to board, sources had told Reuters.

- Reuters

Hadi meets with Afghan ambassador appointed by old govt

Journalists working with UN released after detention in Afghanistan

Hadi 'jumped the gun' in recognising Taliban – Salahuddin

Hadi meets with Taliban envoy in Doha, M'sian aid for Afghanistan assured