Severe restrictions on the travel and migration of Afghans to neighboring countries and other destinations is a bitter and concerning reality that has affected the lives of thousands of families. While relations with the Taliban, security concerns, and drug trafficking are among the factors influencing these restrictions, many Afghans feel trapped in a 'geographical prison.'
Life Waiting for a Visa
Afghan citizens, especially in Kabul, are struggling hard to obtain visas. A source in Kabul says, 'Visa issuance is completely blocked.' While many Afghans have been trying for five years to obtain a visa for a foreign country, they have been unsuccessful. The restrictions have created serious problems not only for travel but also for education and medical treatment.
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A family in Islamabad that has been trying to extend their visa for Pakistan since January 2025 says that the visa for one family member has been rejected three times, and two others are stuck in the system. Mohammad Ismail, a source in Kabul, says, 'In the past, it was possible to obtain a visa for Pakistan by paying money, but now this route is also closed.'
Challenges in Education and Medical Treatment
Mohammad Ismail, who moved his family to Islamabad to provide education for his daughters, is now facing issues with visa renewal. His daughters, who were in the tenth grade, had to return to Afghanistan and are deprived of continuing their education. He says, 'These online schools do not provide quality education and do not offer a bright future for the children.'
Additionally, the process of obtaining medical visas for Afghans has become extremely difficult. Ahmad, another source in Kabul, says, 'Pakistan has halted the issuance of tourist and business visas, but medical visas are still being issued.' However, obtaining this visa requires complete medical documentation and going through lengthy procedures. At Islamabad airport, doctors arbitrarily check the medical documents of travelers, and about five to six people are sent back from the airport on each flight due to document issues.
Iran has also made the migration path for Afghans difficult with increased prices and restrictions on visa issuance. Many Afghans going to Iran are facing issues due to the non-return of their visas. Fereydoun, an Afghan businessman, says, 'In the past, obtaining a visa for Iran was a simple process, but now the conditions have changed drastically.'
Similar situations prevail in Central Asian countries. Kazakhstan, which was once an easy destination for Afghan travelers, has now become a difficult place to obtain a visa. Fereydoun says, 'I have been trying for months to get a visa, but I have not succeeded.' Russia has also significantly increased visa restrictions for Afghans, to the extent that even student visas and scholarships have been halted.
According to reports, India, which was once a primary destination for Afghan travelers, has now stopped issuing tourist and student visas, and medical visas are rarely issued. Under these circumstances, Afghans are seeking new solutions to continue their lives and education, but the existing realities show that the paths ahead are severely limited.
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