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Sweden’s migration minister called on the European Union Thursday to establish a unified process for issuing identification and travel documents to Afghan nationals who have either been denied asylum or have committed crimes in EU countries, making their deportation possible.
Speaking on the sidelines of an informal EU Justice and Home Affairs ministers meeting in Nicosia, Cyprus, Johan Forssell described the current situation as “more or less impossible” when it comes to deporting Afghan nationals who don’t meet asylum criteria due to their lack of proper documentation.
“It is a major concern for us that we are seeing quite a few cases of people that have committed crimes, Afghan people that committed crimes in Sweden and it is more or less impossible to expel them today,” Forssell told The Associated Press.
The minister emphasized that while there’s no EU interest in making “any political arrangements” with Afghanistan that would legitimize the Taliban regime, technical-level cooperation on documentation issues could enable more effective deportation procedures.
“If you come to Europe and you commit crimes, you have chosen yourself not to be part of our society. And we need to do everything we can to make sure that you are expelled,” he stated firmly.
The challenge stems from the fact that most Afghan embassies in Europe are not recognized by the Taliban government, leaving Afghan nationals unable to obtain identification documents or passports from their homeland. Forssell noted that similar issues apply to failed Syrian asylum seekers, though Afghan nationals remain the priority.
According to the Swedish minister, there’s “broad consensus” among many EU countries facing similar challenges to take more decisive action on deportations. He revealed that the EU’s executive branch recently held contacts in Kabul regarding this issue, which he described as “a very positive first step.”
Forssell highlighted concerning statistics, noting that more than half of Afghan asylum seekers have their applications rejected. “They need to go back home,” he insisted, warning that failing to enforce deportations would undermine public support for accepting legitimate asylum seekers who meet the criteria.
In a practical proposal, the Swedish official suggested that Afghan nationals scheduled for deportation from different EU countries could be grouped together and repatriated on chartered flights, creating a more efficient system.
European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner confirmed that EU member states are engaging at a technical level with Afghanistan’s “effective authorities” to improve repatriation processes.
Sweden’s approach to migration has undergone significant changes in recent years. Once known for its generous asylum policies, the country has tightened restrictions amid what Forssell described as alarm among ordinary Swedes over the “problems” created by mass migration. This shift in public sentiment contributed to the formation of the current government three years ago, which received support from the hard-right anti-immigration party, the Sweden Democrats.
Forssell pointed to tangible results from the policy changes, noting that asylum applications in Sweden are now at their lowest level since 1985. “So I think we are doing very well and we are really delivering what the Swedish population wants to see from us,” he said.
The push for a coordinated EU approach to Afghan deportations reflects broader tensions within European migration policy, as countries struggle to balance humanitarian obligations with domestic concerns about security, integration, and social cohesion.
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9 Comments
The minister’s stance that those who commit crimes in Sweden have ‘chosen themselves’ to not be part of society is a tough but understandable position. However, the deportation challenges highlight the complexity of the asylum system.
Agreed, this is a complex issue with valid concerns on both sides. Finding the right balance between public safety and humanitarian considerations will be crucial.
Interesting that the minister is calling for technical-level cooperation on documentation to enable deportations, rather than political arrangements. This could be a pragmatic solution, but the human rights implications will need careful consideration.
Yes, the focus on documentation rather than political deals seems sensible. Though the specifics will be important to ensure a fair and humane process.
Establishing a unified EU process for deportations could help address this challenge, but the details will be critical. Curious to see how this issue evolves and what specific solutions are proposed.
Absolutely, the specifics around documentation, human rights protections, and international cooperation will be key to any viable solution. This will require careful policymaking.
This is a complex issue with valid concerns on both sides. Deporting failed asylum seekers is challenging, but public safety must be a priority. Curious to hear more details on the proposed EU-level process to facilitate deportations while respecting human rights.
Agreed, a unified EU approach could help address this issue more effectively. The minister raises some valid points, but the details around protecting vulnerable groups will be crucial.
The minister’s comments highlight the difficult trade-offs involved in managing migration and asylum policies. While public safety is important, the human rights and humanitarian considerations must also be thoroughly addressed.