What's happened
Over 1,100 Afghans, including civilians and former military women, are held at Qatar's Camp As Sayliyah. The US and Qatar face criticism over payments offered for voluntary repatriation, amid concerns about coercion and safety ahead of the facility's closure at the end of March.
What's behind the headline?
The situation at Camp As Sayliyah exposes the complex dynamics of US-Afghan relations post-withdrawal. The US claims it is not forcibly repatriating Afghans, but reports suggest staff pressure residents to accept relocation offers, which include financial incentives. The controversy highlights broader issues of coercion, the safety of Afghan allies, and the US's shifting approach to refugee resettlement. The extended registration process and ongoing negotiations with third countries suggest a fragile and uncertain future for those held at the facility. The political debate in the US reflects deep partisan divides, with Democrats criticizing the payments as betrayal, while some Republicans support the tough stance on Afghan refugees. The outcome will likely influence future US refugee policies and its international reputation on human rights.
What the papers say
The New Arab reports on the detention and criticism surrounding the repatriation process, emphasizing the concerns of advocates and Democratic lawmakers. Reuters provides details on the number of Afghans involved and the US officials' statements denying forced repatriation. The New York Times offers background on the US visa program's suspension following the 2025 shooting incident, illustrating the broader political and diplomatic context. These sources collectively reveal a contentious and politically charged debate over the treatment of Afghan refugees and the US's responsibilities.
How we got here
The US halted Afghan visa programs in 2025 following a deadly shooting by an Afghan asylum seeker and shifted towards negotiations with third countries for resettlement. The closure of the US military base in Qatar and the end of visa programs have left many Afghan allies in limbo, with advocacy groups criticizing the offer of payments for voluntary departure as potentially coercive.
Go deeper
Common question
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What’s Really Happening in Tirah Valley with Displaced Residents?
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The situation at Qatar’s Camp As Sayliyah involves over 1,100 Afghan civilians and former military personnel. With controversy surrounding the US and Qatar’s handling of repatriation, many are asking: Are these refugees being coerced to go back home? Why is the US involved, and what risks do they face? Here’s what you need to know about this complex and evolving crisis.
More on these topics
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Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia. It is the world's fifth-most populous country with a population exceeding 212.2 million. It is the 33rd-largest country by area, spanning 881,913 square kilometres.
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Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi HI PP is the 22nd and current Prime Minister of Pakistan and the chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.
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Afghanistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country at the crossroads of Central and South Asia.
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Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, formerly known as the North-West Frontier Province, is one of the four provinces of Pakistan, located in the northwestern region of the country along the International border with Afghanistan.
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The United States Department of State, commonly referred to as the State Department, is a federal executive department responsible for carrying out U.S. foreign policy and international relations.