Pakistan is purportedly getting hundreds of dollars in exit fees from Afghan refugees who fled their nation after the Taliban took power, according to a British publication.
Western diplomats and UN representatives have criticized Pakistan’s decision to tax Afghan refugees fleeing Taliban persecution, calling it “shocking and disappointing.” The Guardian reports that Pakistan denounces $830 in exit costs for Afghans.
The article stated that the refugees who are ready to depart Pakistan to go to Western nations are the intended beneficiaries of Pakistan’s action.
The report claimed that each such refugee was being charged about $830.
Thousands of Afghans have been waiting to continue their lives in Western nations in Pakistan since the fall of Kabul in August 2021, often with expired visas or without proper documentation.
Most have worked with Western governments and organizations and can resettle on humanitarian grounds.
The U.S. government plans to resettle about 25,000 Afghans in its country. The U.K. has said it will resettle 20,000 people.
Five top Western diplomats in Pakistan who spoke with The Guardian claim that the exit authorization price in Pakistan is remarkable and unmatched globally.
“A diplomat said,” “I know.” Pakistan’s economy is in dire need of assistance, yet trying to profit from refugees is not a pleasant experience.
“This issue has also been raised by two U.N. agencies, UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration,”
“The issue has also been raised in capitals and headquarters.” “I assume that everyone has informed their (Pakistani contacts) of the message as well.””
The foreign and interior ministries informed their Western counterparts of the decision, per a second diplomat’s account. When concerns were raised, the original idea was to charge $10,000 per individual, but officials were notified that the sum was later dropped to $830.
“It’s extraordinary, and I find it very disappointing.” “If Pakistan wants to simplify the process of resettling refugees in the West, it should not complicate it further with such absurd conditions.” “”
“What is the rationale behind this fee hike? Only to make money?
Another diplomat said that the condition is that exit permits must be paid for by credit card, which many Afghan refugees do not have access to.
“He said:” “This has made the situation worse.” Most of them don’t have credit cards. “We need a cooperative approach to working together to help refugees, and we hope Pakistan will help.” “”
According to Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, a spokesman for Pakistan’s foreign ministry, there are no intentions to alter the policy. “These people have been here for the last two years and are not refugees.” Instead, some migrants do not have the necessary documentation or visas. However, we anticipate that the relevant nations will expedite the visa and approval procedure to reach their destination as quickly as possible.
Resettling migrants requires more information, according to Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, because some Western nations only provide the names of the refugees.
“But a Western diplomat said,” “We are trying to provide the information requested by the Pakistani government, but we have legal restrictions on how much information we can provide.” “”
“UNHCR spokesman Babar Baloch said:” “UNHCR is working closely with the government of Pakistan.” So that the issue of exit permit fees and over-city visa fees for refugees in the resettlement program can be solved.
He said the United Nations understands that this situation may cause concern among those who fled to Pakistan but were eager to leave and resume their lives.
[…] British news claims Pakistan charges Afghans $830 as an exit fee. […]