Mohammad Ismail, one of the Afghan citizens, reported serious visa problems for Afghans in neighboring countries during an interview with journalists. He emphasized that the security situation and complex relations with the Taliban have turned obtaining a visa into a major challenge.
Travel and Study Difficulties
Ambiguity in relations with the Taliban administration and security concerns are among the main factors contributing to visa restrictions for Afghans. Many Afghan citizens feel trapped in a "geographical prison," stating that after years of effort to obtain a visa, they have reached a dead end. One source in Kabul explicitly said: "Visa issuance is completely blocked."
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Pakistan, recognized as an important destination for medical and business travel for Afghans, has significantly reduced visa issuance due to political tensions. An Afghan family living in Islamabad spoke about their fruitless efforts to extend their visa. One family member expressed despair after having their visa rejected three times, adding that two other family members are also stuck in the visa system.
Visa Challenges in Neighboring Countries
Mohammad Ismail also pointed out that in the past, Afghans could obtain a visa for Pakistan by paying a fee, but this route is now closed. According to him, only individuals involved in military activities against the Taliban or their relatives have a chance of obtaining a visa.
Ahmad, another source in Kabul, added that the issuance of tourist and business visas in Pakistan has been halted, but medical visas are still being issued. He announced that obtaining this visa requires medical documents and lengthy procedures. Patients must travel to Pakistan by plane, and at Islamabad airport, doctors review their medical documents, which sometimes depends on the personal discretion of the doctors.
Conditions in Iran are also extremely difficult. Mohammad Ismail stated that the increase in visa prices and the decrease in the number of visas issued have hindered Afghans' return to the neighboring country. Iran had temporarily halted visa issuance, but now has resumed it with new restrictions.
Fereydoun, an Afghan businessman in Central Asia, also referred to the difficulties in obtaining visas in other countries, stating that Kazakhstan and Russia have also imposed heavy restrictions on visa issuance for Afghans. He mentioned that in the past, obtaining a visa in Kazakhstan was very easy, but now the conditions have become extremely difficult.
Fereydoun also pointed to visa restrictions in India and Uzbekistan, where many Afghans currently cannot obtain visas from these countries. According to him, India has stopped issuing student and tourist visas and only grants visas to Taliban members and their relatives.
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