Tajikistan authorities have confirmed the deportation of several Afghan nationals, explaining that the move was due to violations of the country's laws regarding the stay of foreign citizens. The Afghan Embassy in Dushanbe and the Afghanistan Refugee Committee have declined to provide further details, while Afghan refugees have expressed concerns, fearing repercussions if they discuss the detentions and deportations.
Reasons for deportation
On July 19, Tajikistan’s state-run news agency Khovar reported, citing the press service of the Main Border Guard Directorate of the State Committee for National Security (SCNS), that the deportations are a result of violations by Afghan nationals, including illegal drug trafficking, the promotion of extremist ideologies, submitting false information and documents to obtain refugee status, immigration rule violations, holding third-country citizenship, and using Tajikistan as a transit country.
The Border Guard Directorate emphasized that measures are being taken to deport these individuals in accordance with Tajikistan's laws, noting that the deportation of Afghan nationals is directly linked to these violations.
Afghanistan’s Embassy and Refugee Committee remain silent
Despite official statements from Tajik authorities, the Afghan Embassy in Dushanbe and the Afghan Refugee Committee have refrained from commenting on the matter. Both institutions told Asia-Plus that no Afghan refugee has approached them in writing regarding the issue.
This silence follows a report by Afghan news agency Khaama Press on July 9, which mentioned a 15-day deadline for Afghan refugees to leave Tajikistan. The news caused widespread concern among Afghan migrants, including those with valid residency documents.
According to reports, Tajik authorities have intensified migrant detentions in areas like Vahdat Township and Roudaki District, with many detained without prior notice or the opportunity to file a legal complaint before being sent back to Afghanistan.
Fear among Afghan refugees
On July 16, Afghanistan International reported that Tajik security forces had detained several Afghan migrants in different regions, including at training centers, hospitals, and shopping malls, and handed them over to the Tajikistan National Security Committee for deportation.
An Afghan refugee told Afghanistan International that there is a “tense atmosphere” among refugees, who are afraid to speak out about the detentions and deportations. Many refugees are reportedly in the process of having their migration cases reviewed in Western countries, and have reached out to international organizations for help.
According to unofficial sources, more than 10,000 Afghan nationals are currently residing in Tajikistan, with the majority living in Dushanbe, Vahdat Township, and Roudaki District.
