Taliban Initiates Programme to Export Afghan Workers to Qatar Amid Rising Unemployment

The Taliban are sending Afghan workers to Qatar to tackle unemployment in Afghanistan. Discussions are ongoing to extend this initiative to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Turkey, and Russia. Registration began on Tuesday for 2,000 skilled professionals in fields like hospitality and engineering to work in Qatar. Applicants from all 34 Afghan provinces can submit their credentials for eligibility assessment.

Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban's deputy prime minister for economic affairs, stated that the Qatar labour programme would alleviate unemployment and boost the economy through remittances. He emphasised that sending skilled workers abroad legally would benefit the national economy and reduce joblessness.

International Relations and Labour Export

While only Russia recognises the Taliban as Afghanistan's government, other countries maintain diplomatic ties with Kabul. Qatar, hosting a significant US military base, was pivotal during the 2021 foreign forces withdrawal from Afghanistan. It also facilitated peace talks between the Taliban and the US in 2019-20.

Acting Labour Minister Abdul Manan Omari called the labour export programme a "significant and foundational step." He mentioned ongoing discussions with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Turkey, and Russia. "We are committed to sending skilled, semi-skilled, and professional workers to these countries in the future as well," Omari said on X.

Economic Challenges and Humanitarian Concerns

The registration launch follows at least a million Afghans being forcibly returned from neighbouring nations like Iran and Pakistan amid severe economic challenges. Aid agencies have highlighted pressure on local services due to reduced remittances from overseas workers.

Most Afghans rely on humanitarian aid for survival. However, funding cuts are worsening conditions as NGOs scale back education and healthcare programmes. The Taliban government has been working for four years to lower unemployment through foreign investment, trade expansion, and infrastructure projects.

Commitment to Workers' Rights

"We are committed to the protection of Afghan workers' legal rights and safety abroad. Our goal is to prevent illegal migration and uphold the dignity and honour of Afghan workers," Omari stated. This initiative aims to ensure legal migration pathways while safeguarding workers' rights.

In 2023, Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada met Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Kandahar. This meeting marked Akhundzada's first publicly known encounter with a foreign official, as reported by Al Jazeera English.

The programme aims to address unemployment while fostering economic growth through remittances. By expanding labour export opportunities, Afghanistan seeks to stabilise its economy amidst ongoing humanitarian challenges.

With inputs from PTI