The registration of applicants for Qatari work visas, which started earlier this week, has been suspended in at least three provinces, including Khost, Logar and Paktia, over reports of “corruption, favoritism” overwhelming demand, sources said.
Taliban have allocated centers for the registration process in 20 cities, including Kabul and Kandahar. According to Taliban’s labor ministry, 2,000 visas have been allocated for Afghan workers.
Taliban have not commented on the suspension.
Videos obtained by Amu during the weeks show thousands of applicants outside the registration centers, underscoring the high demand for work amidst an unprecedented fall in unemployment rates in the country.
Applicants in Khost, Paktia and Logar provinces said the system was marred by intermediaries and political connections. Ordinary citizens struggled to register their names, while individuals with links to Taliban officials or other influential figures were reportedly given priority, sources said.
In Khost, Paktia and Logar alone, thousands of people applied for only about 700 available visas, according to sources familiar with the process. Only those with valid documentation were allowed inside the registration centers, they added.
Taliban also imposed a strict ban on photography and video recording at the sites, raising further concerns about transparency.
