Authorities in several countries are tightening action against Afghan nationals accused of illegal activity and of disturbing public order. The Afghan nationals crackdown has picked up pace, with host countries pointing to criminal networks and serious offences as a threat to their internal peace.
The details come from Afghan media outlet Tolo News, which has tracked the measures taken in Turkey, France and across Europe.
Turkey Arrests Over 29,700 in Nine Months
According to Tolo News, Turkish authorities have detained more than 29,700 Afghan nationals living in the country illegally over a nine-month period. The figure shows how actively Turkey is enforcing its immigration rules.
France Moves to Deport Illegal Afghan Migrants
France has also decided to deport illegal Afghan migrants whom it considers a risk to law and order, the Afghan outlet reported. The decision adds to the growing list of governments choosing removal over tolerance.
European Union Members Follow Suit
Several European Union member states have already sent back Afghans who were living in their countries without legal status, Tolo News said. Deportations of this kind are no longer limited to a single country or region.
Why Countries Are Acting
The report links the visa restrictions and deportation orders imposed by multiple countries on Afghan citizens to alleged criminal activity. In its account, Afghan nationals involved in serious crimes and organised criminal networks have put the security of their host countries at risk.
With enforcement widening, the Afghan nationals crackdown is now a concern that reaches well beyond one border.