UAE Highlights Support For Afghan Refugees Amid Deportation Concerns

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UAE said it has hosted more than 17,000 Afghan migrants in Abu Dhabi since 2021 and spent nearly 1.35 billion dirhams (approximately USD 367 million) on hosting and relocating them to third countries.

The ministry emphasised that Afghan refugees have been provided with comprehensive services at Abu Dhabi’s Humanitarian City, including healthcare, education, housing, food, and logistical and diplomatic support. The statement did not address claims regarding the potential deportation of Afghan nationals still awaiting resettlement.

Concerns were raised after the media outlet Just the News reported that UAE authorities were preparing to transfer some Afghan refugees to the Taliban. US President Donald Trump responded to the report on 20 July via his social media platform, Truth Social, stating his intention to intervene on behalf of the refugees.

The UAE-based newspaper The National also reported that the foreign ministry reiterated its ongoing humanitarian support and the dignified treatment of Afghan migrants in the country.

Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, thousands of Afghans were evacuated to the UAE on US and NATO military flights. Many have since been awaiting resettlement to the United States, Canada, and European nations.

Afghan refugees in the UAE have repeatedly voiced frustration over their prolonged and uncertain status, urging Western governments, particularly the United States, to expedite relocation processes.

During his presidency, Trump ended the large-scale resettlement programme for Afghan allies and their families and revoked Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghan nationals. As a result, over 14,000 Afghans who entered the United States irregularly remain at risk of deportation.