Resumption of Passport Issuance for Afghans in Turkey by the Islamic Emirate’s Embassy

Resumption of Passport Issuance for Afghans in Turkey by the Islamic Emirate’s EmbasThe Embassy of the Islamic Emirate in Ankara, Turkey, has announced the resumption of passport issuance for Afghan citizens after a four-year hiatus.

The embassy shared this development on its official X account, marking a significant step toward addressing the challenges faced by Afghan migrants in Turkey. Since the fall of the previous Afghan government and the rise of the Islamic Emirate in 2021, passport issuance had been suspended in many countries, leaving thousands of Afghan migrants in Turkey grappling with legal, employment, and residency issues due to the lack of valid travel documents.

Qutbuddin Yaqoobi, a university professor, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Issuing passports in Ankara will significantly benefit Afghan citizens living legally in Turkey, including students and tourists. It ensures safer lives, legal protections, and access to essential services.” This move is expected to alleviate some of the hardships faced by Afghan migrants, particularly in securing legal status and accessing opportunities for education and work.

Activists advocating for migrant rights have welcomed the decision but highlighted ongoing challenges. Jamal Muslim, a migrant rights activist, noted, “The embassy initially resumed services with sticker renewals for passports, and now with passport issuance, it’s serving Afghans effectively. However, the requirement of five witnesses and a marriage certificate remains a significant hurdle for many.” These bureaucratic obstacles continue to complicate the process for some applicants.

Abdul Aleem Mohammadi, an Afghan migrant in Turkey, described the resumption as a positive step, saying, “This initiative facilitates legal residency, education, access to services, and opportunities for legal migration to other countries, bringing security and dignity to Afghan migrants.” Political analysts also stress the need for broader diplomatic efforts. Fazlur Rahman Orya, a political commentator, remarked, “Over eight million Afghans live as migrants worldwide. Access to official documents like passports is critical for their legal recognition and stability.”

Last year, the Afghan embassy in Ankara was briefly handed over to Turkish authorities before the Islamic Emirate announced that its diplomats would continue operations. Experts urge the expansion of such services to Afghan migrants in other countries to address their documentation needs and strengthen diplomatic ties.