The diplomatic agreement on visa waiver between Turkey and Afghanistan has been annulled. The decision, signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on May 28, will come into effect on June 1.
Decision Following Visit by Migration Officials
This decision follows a visit by Turkish migration officials to Afghanistan. A delegation from Turkey’s Directorate General of Migration Management visited Afghanistan to discuss issues related to irregular migration of Afghan citizens to Turkey and the deportation of irregular migrants back to Afghanistan.
The cancellation of the visa waiver is reported to affect all diplomatic passport holders and VIPs associated with the Taliban leadership based in Doha. Turkey is seen as a key transit route for thousands of Afghan refugees aiming to reach Europe.
Increase in Migrant Numbers and Turkey’s Response
In 2024, Afghan nationals topped the list of irregular migrants apprehended in Turkey. While Turkey emphasizes that it has had no official relations with Afghanistan since the Taliban took control in 2021, it recently sent a relief train to Afghan cities affected by a flood disaster.
Rise in Detentions of Afghan Migrants
In 2023, Afghan nationals had the highest detention rate among undocumented migrants in Turkey. The total number of legally residing foreign nationals in Turkey reached 1,107,032 in 2024.
UN Data and the Situation of Afghan Refugees in Turkey
According to UN data, more than 1.6 million Afghans have fled since August 2021, increasing the total number of Afghan refugees in neighboring countries to 8.2 million. It is noted that over 300,000 Afghan refugees have been living in Turkey since 2021.
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