Poll: Millions of Afghans want to emigrate from the country

A poll conducted last year after the United States withdrew from Afghanistan and the Taliban returned to power showed that a majority of Afghans would like to leave their country if given the opportunity.

Gallup conducted the poll between August 9 and September 29.

The findings, published on Monday, are based on interviews with a random sample of more than 2,000 adults aged 15 and over in Afghanistan.

The percentage of Afghans who said they would like to leave their homeland forever rose to a record high of 53% in the poll.

"This percentage, one of the highest in the world in 2021, is likely to be even higher now, with millions on the brink of starvation since the Taliban took over," Gallup added.

Turkey, Germany and the United States came at the top of the list of countries they wish to immigrate to. The desire to immigrate was stronger among men and those who hold at least an elementary degree.

Since the hardline Taliban movement seized power in 2021, thousands have fled Afghanistan, with many viewing the country as a major prison for its population of more than 30 million.

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