Taliban have summoned representatives of tourism and pilgrimage companies accused of illegally arranging work visas for Turkey and other countries, as demand for overseas employment continues to rise amid Afghanistan’s economic crisis.
The Taliban-run Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs said it had called in several company officials over allegations that they were obtaining or advertising foreign work visas through unofficial channels and charging applicants fees.
In a statement, the ministry said the companies were warned against engaging in what it described as illegal activities and were required to provide written commitments that they would no longer facilitate or charge money for work visas. The ministry also urged citizens not to hand over documents or money to individuals or companies offering such services.
The ministry did not identify the companies involved or say how many had been summoned.
The move follows earlier Taliban directives aimed at restricting private agencies from arranging overseas employment. In February 2025, Taliban labor officials instructed travel and recruitment agencies in Kabul to stop facilitating work visas for Afghans seeking jobs abroad, saying labor migration should take place only through official channels.
The crackdown comes as many Afghans continue to look abroad for work amid high unemployment, poverty and a shrinking economy. Since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, millions of Afghans have left the country, driven by economic hardship, human rights issues, insecurity and political uncertainty.
The issue has become more pressing as many foreign embassies remain closed or operate with limited services in Kabul, making legal pathways for visas increasingly difficult to access. Turkey and several other regional countries have tightened visa policies for Afghan citizens in recent years.
Those seeking work abroad often rely on intermediaries, travel agencies and informal brokers, creating a lucrative market for visa-related services. Taliban say some companies have exploited that demand by advertising work visas they are not authorized to provide.
The ministry did not specify what penalties companies could face if they continue the practice.
Three is no exact figure about the number of travel agencies in the country, particularly in Kabul. Figures have said hundreds of licensed tourism companies operate in the country.
