Return of Afghan asylum seekers negotiated in Kabul

A delegation of Finnish officials led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior, Päivi Nerg, negotiated the return of Afghan asylum seekers with the authorities of Afghanistan early this week in Kabul. It was agreed during the negotiations that Finland and Afghanistan will enhance cooperation in the return arrangements for those returning to their home country voluntarily.

The purpose of Finland is to sign a memorandum of understanding concerning both the voluntary return of Afghan asylum seekers and the return of those whose asylum application has been refused. The Afghan representatives stated that Afghanistan remains committed to fulfilling its obligations under the Partnership Agreement concluded between Finland and Afghanistan in 2013. This Agreement provides that the two countries will engage in close cooperation aimed at preventing illegal immigration and facilitate the return of persons illegally present in the other country's territory.

The Afghan Government will soon discuss the memorandum of understanding. It will continue the negotiations with Finland bilaterally as well as with the European Union.

It was highlighted during the discussions that, because of the difficult economic and security situation in the country, Afghan authorities want young people to come back and help with reconstruction.

In 2015, Afghans lodged the second highest number of asylum applications in Finland (5,214) after Iraqis. This year, they have been the largest nationality (522 applications by 19 April).

Inquiries

Päivi Nerg, Permanent Secretary, tel. +358 295 418 803