Afghanistan: Taliban issue passports again

Taliban authorities checking passports at the border between Afghanistan and Iran, Islam Qala, November 24, 2021. AP - Petros Giannakouris

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1 min

A way out is opening for those who wish to leave Afghanistan: the Taliban, in power since August 15, are starting to issue passports again in several regions.

A commitment that the Islamists had made with the international community, but that they had not yet honored.

It is therefore a test of their goodwill.

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The passport is an eagerly awaited key for thousands of Afghans who wish to leave their country.

In three regions, including Kabul, they will be able to renew their passports and leave.

Some because they feel threatened by the Islamists, others to receive treatment or to

.

The administrative offices, closed since mid-August, reopen their doors this Sunday, December 19.

Officials returned to work briefly in October, but found themselves overwhelmed by the influx of requests and technical issues.

They had thus closed their counters after a few days.

Most embassies closed, difficult to get visa

"

" assured the head of the passport service.

As a first step, the precious document will be issued to those who had already filed an application.

Then, from January 10, new requests will be accepted.

Another important obstacle will have to be overcome: most embassies being closed, it is difficult to obtain a visa.

The candidates for exile are numerous, while the country is faced with "

 ", according to the United Nations.

To revive the economy and fight against famine, the Taliban again demanded, this Saturday, the thaw of the 9.5 billion dollars (8 billion euros) of reserves of the Central Bank,

. 

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• Afghanistan

• Taliban