What's happened
The UAE has begun returning Afghan evacuees to Afghanistan despite US promises to assist them. Reports indicate some families were pressured to sign deportation papers or face arrest. The US and other countries are grappling with the fate of thousands of Afghan refugees since the Taliban's return in 2021. Today's date is Tue, 22 Jul 2025.
What's behind the headline?
The UAE's decision to begin returning Afghan evacuees, despite ongoing US promises of assistance, highlights a complex geopolitical dynamic. The UAE, a close US security partner, appears to be prioritizing its diplomatic relations with the Taliban, seeking assurances for evacuees' safety while moving to close this chapter. This move risks undermining US efforts to resettle Afghan refugees and may embolden other countries to expedite deportations. The reports of coercion—families being pressured to sign deportation papers or face arrest—further complicate the humanitarian picture, suggesting that vulnerable refugees are being pushed out under duress. The US's lack of immediate comment and the apparent disconnect between US promises and UAE actions could weaken trust in US-led refugee commitments. Moving forward, the fate of these remaining evacuees will test international cooperation and the US's ability to uphold its moral obligations to those who helped during two decades of conflict in Afghanistan. The situation underscores the broader challenge of managing Afghan refugee resettlement amid shifting geopolitical interests and domestic political pressures.
What the papers say
The Japan Times reports that the UAE has begun returning Afghan evacuees to Afghanistan, with some families reportedly being forced to choose between signing deportation papers or facing arrest. The New Arab details that the UAE had already started the process before Trump's recent pledge to help, citing internal US cables and sources familiar with the matter. SBS emphasizes that the UAE's actions are happening despite US promises, and highlights concerns about coercion and the potential handing over of refugees to the Taliban. All sources agree that over 30 evacuees remain in limbo, with some reports suggesting coercive deportations and a lack of clarity on the circumstances of the returned families. The coverage underscores the tension between diplomatic relations, humanitarian obligations, and political interests, with the US's role appearing increasingly disconnected from on-the-ground realities.
How we got here
In 2021, the UAE agreed to temporarily house thousands of Afghans evacuated during the US-led withdrawal from Kabul. About 17,000 evacuees have been processed through the Emirates Humanitarian City, but over 30 remain in limbo. The US has been involved in resettlement efforts, but the UAE's recent actions suggest a shift towards returning some evacuees to Afghanistan, raising concerns about their safety and the US's commitments.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Is the US Ending Afghan Refugee Protections Now?
The US government has recently announced the end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for thousands of Afghans, citing improved conditions in Afghanistan. This decision raises many questions about what it means for Afghan refugees and allies in the US, and what the future holds. Below, we explore the reasons behind this move, its implications, and the legal and political debates surrounding it.
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Why is the UAE Returning Afghan Refugees Despite US Promises?
Recent reports reveal that the UAE has begun deporting Afghan evacuees back to Afghanistan, even though the US and other countries promised to help them settle safely. This raises urgent questions about the safety of these refugees, the reasons behind the UAE's actions, and what this means for those fleeing the Taliban. Below, we explore the key issues and answer common questions about this complex situation.
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