Taliban Tightens Grip on Afghan Diplomatic Missions Abroad

The Taliban has rejected the validity of passports, visas, and other documents issued by Afghanistan’s former administration in numerous countries, creating significant hardship for Afghan nationals abroad. This move is part of the Taliban’s efforts to control diplomatic missions following their return to power in 2021. The decision has garnered criticism from Afghan citizens affected by the change.

The Taliban disavowed multiple Afghan diplomatic missions overseas on Tuesday, stating it will not recognize passports, visas, and other documents issued by diplomats associated with Afghanistan's previous Western-backed government. This is part of their ongoing efforts to control diplomatic missions since they returned to power in 2021.

Many Taliban leaders remain under sanctions, and no country has recognized them as Afghanistan's legitimate rulers. The former government, led by Ashraf Ghani, still holds Afghanistan's seat at the United Nations, though the Taliban seeks to claim it.

Via a statement on social media platform X, the Taliban's Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared documents from missions in numerous countries, including London, Berlin, Switzerland, and Canada, as invalid. Affected individuals must seek consular services from Taliban-controlled embassies. Afghan nationals abroad expressed concerns, citing undue hardship and legal issues due to the stringent changes.

(With inputs from agencies.)