Belgium issues visas to Taliban delegation for EU migration talks
Afghanistan is currently facing a humanitarian crisis.
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Summary
Afghanistan is currently facing a humanitarian crisis. "The EU maintains a presence on the ground to facilitate contacts, monitor the situation, assist EU member states and to continue to provide support for the benefit of Afghan people." Agencies contributed to this report Updated: June 23, 2026, 7:42 AM. In May, a spokesperson for the European Commission said the meeting with the Taliban had been coordinated with Sweden after 20 member states had called for concrete pathways to deport Afghans without legal residence permits or who are deemed a security risk.
Furthermore, In October, 20 EU states and Schengen countries asked the commission , the executive arm of the EU, to co-ordinate such talks. About 40% of the population in Afghanistan is affected by hunger, according to the International Rescue Committee. Belgian officials have refused to disclose the exact date of the visit, citing security concerns.
In addition, EU officials have repeatedly said the talks are intended to address practical migration issues rather than diplomatic relations with Afghanistan's rulers. However, the Belgian government said it approved five visas for members of the delegation after security assessments found no evidence that the individuals posed a threat.
One point remains disputed: Divergent figures — The visas are valid only for Belgium and for one day. ; Published on 22/06/2026 - 21:40 GMT+2 Belgium has issued visas to a Taliban delegation to….
Cross-referenced from 11 sources.
Factual coreconfirmed by several independent voices
Afghanistan is currently facing a humanitarian crisis.
reliability moderate3/5 sources
Reported detailssecondary facts, each attributed to its source
"The EU maintains a presence on the ground to facilitate contacts, monitor the situation, assist EU member states and to continue to provide support for the benefit of Afghan people." Agencies contributed to this report Updated: June 23, 2026, 7:42 AM
according to The National (UAE)In May, a spokesperson for the European Commission said the meeting with the Taliban had been coordinated with Sweden after 20 member states had called for concrete pathways to deport Afghans without legal residence permits or who are deemed a security risk.
according to The Guardian — International EditionIn October, 20 EU states and Schengen countries asked the commission , the executive arm of the EU, to co-ordinate such talks.
according to The National (UAE)About 40% of the population in Afghanistan is affected by hunger, according to the International Rescue Committee.
according to The Guardian — International EditionBelgian officials have refused to disclose the exact date of the visit, citing security concerns.
according to Amu TV +1EU officials have repeatedly said the talks are intended to address practical migration issues rather than diplomatic relations with Afghanistan's rulers.
according to Euronews English — NewsHowever, the Belgian government said it approved five visas for members of the delegation after security assessments found no evidence that the individuals posed a threat.
according to Euronews English — NewsSince returning to power, the Taliban have imposed sweeping restrictions on women and girls, including bans on secondary and university education, limits on employment and strict constraints on freedom of movement.
according to Amu TV +1According to EU data, member states received about 1 million asylum applications from Afghans between 2013 and 2024, with roughly half approved.
according to Deutsche Welle English — All +2European governments have increasingly pushed for stricter migration policies as the issue has gained political prominence across the continent.
according to Deutsche Welle English — All +2
Disputedincompatible versions — to verify
Divergent figures
- The visas are valid only for Belgium and for one day.Amu TV, Euronews English — News
- Published on 22/06/2026 - 21:40 GMT+2 Belgium has issued visas to a Taliban delegation to…Al Jazeera English — All News, Euronews English — News
Opposite versions
- The EU has not identified which Taliban representatives were invited to the meeting.Euronews English — News
- The European Commission says the invitation does not legitimise the Taliban government.Al Jazeera English — All News, The Guardian — International Edition, The National (UAE)
Opposite versions
- The aim is to discuss the return of Afghan citizens living illegally in Europe,…The National (UAE)
- The meeting is expected to focus on the deportation of Afghan nationals who do not have a…Al Jazeera English — All News
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Afghanistan is currently facing a humanitarian crisis.
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Story timelinehow this story developed, day by day
Tuesday, June 23
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Reliability 51 · moderate2 sources2 independent voices2 countries · 1 languages