~ Swiss officials confirmed four Taliban diplomats visited Geneva to identify Afghan convicts, calling the move “sensitive but necessary” to issue valid Kabul-approved travel documents.

"VAN" (International Desk - 24.08.2025) :: Swiss state television has reported that four Taliban diplomats recently traveled to Geneva on a discreet mission to identify Afghan nationals convicted of crimes in Switzerland. Officials described the visit as “sensitive but necessary.”

According to Switzerland’s Federal Office for Migration, the two-day mission focused on confirming the identities of 11 convicted offenders and two Afghans who had volunteered to return home. The delegation arrived “several days ago,” though authorities did not disclose the exact dates.

Swiss officials explained that the step was essential because the Taliban only recognize documents issued by their own authorities in Kabul. Other papers issued by Afghanistan’s former embassy in Bern are no longer valid.

Daniel Bach, spokesman for the migration office, admitted the move was politically delicate. “Everyone knows human rights are not respected in Afghanistan, which makes our work sensitive. But in Switzerland, protecting the public from criminals is the priority,” he said. Authorities emphasized that the Taliban envoys did not leave Geneva airport and were only allowed to carry out identification procedures. Most cases were verified successfully, and preparations for deportations have begun, though additional checks remain necessary in some instances. The initiative follows a policy introduced last year by Swiss Justice Minister Beat Jans, requiring Afghan offenders to be deported after serving their prison sentences. Five such deportations were carried out before Taliban authorities changed their rules, insisting that Kabul-issued documents be used for repatriations.

Germany also allowed two Taliban consular staff to be stationed temporarily in July to facilitate deportation flights, but Swiss authorities stressed they have no plans to permit a permanent Taliban presence in the country.

Switzerland’s decision underscores the growing dilemmas facing European governments in dealing with the Taliban while balancing domestic security needs and international human rights concerns. Analysts say such steps highlight the uneasy compromises Western democracies are making to enforce immigration law while avoiding formal recognition of the Taliban regime.
Cr - KP

संबंधित खबरें

Kabul Delegation Helped Verify Afghan Offenders for Deportation - Swiss officials