Reports on Turkey’s Unfair Policies Toward Afghan Migrants: From Threats of Proxy Wars to Deportation

Following the rise in the number of Afghan migrants to Turkey after the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, the country has faced harsh measures and severe restrictions toward Afghan migrants. In the latest event, Turkish police detained 27 Afghan migrants and transferred them to a migrant quarantine facility.

The influx of Afghan migrants to Turkey has notably increased since the Taliban’s return to power, especially after Afghanistan’s critical situation. However, the Turkish government, while benefiting from these Afghan migrants as cheap labor in certain industries, has responded to this group of refugees with unfair treatment and severe restrictions.

These policies include widespread detentions, travel restrictions, and deprivation of social rights for Afghan migrants. Many migrants have stated that after entering Turkey, they have faced social, human rights, economic, and security challenges.

Turkish Police and Severe Restrictions for Afghan Migrants

In the latest action, Turkish police detained 27 Afghan migrants who intended to enter the city of Canakkale, a coastal city in Turkey, and transferred them to a migrant quarantine facility. This action is part of a broader crackdown and further restrictions imposed on Afghan migrants.

Afghan Migrants’ Disillusionment with Supporting Organizations

Afghan migrants in Turkey have expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of adequate support from local institutions. Many of them have reported that they have not received any help from international and humanitarian organizations tasked with supporting migrants. This neglect has caused migrants to face extremely difficult conditions, leaving them unable to benefit from their basic rights.

Allegations of Being Threatened to Participate in Proxy Wars

Some Afghan migrants have claimed that the Turkish government secretly met with them and asked them to participate in proxy wars, such as joining groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. In return, they were promised asylum for their families. Otherwise, the Turkish government reportedly threatened to force them to leave the country or ultimately hand them over to the Taliban. These accusations have raised serious concerns among Afghan migrants.

The increasing unfair and restrictive policies by Turkey, along with threats related to participation in proxy wars, have made the future of Afghan migrants in this country even more difficult. Many migrants have complained about the lack of attention and support from international organizations and human rights agencies and are deeply concerned about their security and future. This situation could affect Turkey’s international relations with Afghanistan and other refugee-hosting countries.