KABUL: Belgium’s Minister for Refugees and Asylum, Annelies Verlinden, has stated that the country is working to engage in discussions with the Islamic Emirate regarding the return of Afghan nationals who are illegally residing in Belgium or have been accused of certain crimes.
In an interview with VRT News, Verlinden emphasized that this process will focus solely on establishing the identity of Afghan individuals and technical cooperation, rather than political dialogue.
She noted the necessity for a joint European approach to ensure that individuals who have committed crimes or lack legal documentation can be repatriated to their home countries.
Verlinden’s office reported that Afghans have been among the groups with the highest number of asylum applications in Belgium in recent years, yet asylum has been granted to less than half of them.
These remarks come at a time when numerous countries have sought to resolve their issues and matters concerning Afghan asylum seekers through diplomatic channels and dialogue with the Islamic Emirate.