Thousands crowded registration centers in various cities, including Kabul, on Tuesday as the process began for work visas to Qatar, according to sources, underscoring the scale of demand for opportunities abroad amid Afghanistan’s economic crisis.
Sources said Qatar had allocated only about 2,000 visas for Afghan workers, far fewer than the number of people who appeared at registration centers. According to sources, in Kabul alone, more than 100,000 people sought to register, overwhelming the facilities and causing delays, the sources added. Thousands more lined up in provincial capitals.
The Taliban authorities, who are overseeing the process, have imposed strict controls at the registration sites, according to witnesses.
Taliban intelligence officers were dispatched to monitor the crowds, and the use of mobile phones was prohibited. Several people had their phones confiscated for attempting to take pictures or answer calls, sources said.
Some also alleged that certain names had already been added to the visa lists through Taliban ministers and officials, raising concerns about favoritism.
The Taliban have not publicly commented on the allegations against the registration process.
The Taliban-run Labor Ministry has announced 20 zones for the registration process.
Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, Afghanistan has faced severe economic decline, widespread unemployment and increased poverty, prompting many Afghans to seek work abroad in order to support their families.
