Applying both official and humanitarian interests, Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, the acting Prime Minister of Afghanistan, has asked the Afghans left out by the US to go back to their home. Mullah Akhund used the chance at Eid to appeal publicly to those Afghans who cannot enter the United States, suggesting they return to their country, where they would experience safety and integration with their fellow Afghans.

The note was issued at a time when there were ongoing limitations on Afghanistan’s citizens, most notably from the United States. With Donald Trump as president, orders were put in place that banned travel and visas to twelve countries, among them Afghanistan. As a result of these policies, Afghan citizens have very few options, whether they want shelter from crises or want to live permanently in the United States. Even though the Biden administration has tried to help displaced Afghans, major obstacles in the system are still an issue.

Mullah Akhund used the chance at Eid to appeal publicly to those Afghans who cannot enter the United States, suggesting they return to their country.

The way Afghans respond to being urged by the acting Prime Minister may be taken as a show of trust rather than as a political action. Following the Taliban’s quick control over Kabul in August 2021, the population of the country was exiled in great numbers. Seeing this new regime and fearing danger, thousands left Afghanistan by running to the Kabul airport or traveling to nearby nations, Iran and Pakistan. Many of them were colleagues of U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan for more than twenty years, taking part in roles such as interpreters, and employees of civil society or the government. As a result of their involvement with Western influences, they were regarded as people at possible danger when the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan.

Mullah Akhund’s promise is meant to reduce this fear. The speaker pointed out that those Taliban members who placed themselves against the system guided by Islam on behalf of America would not face any punishment when they returned. The acting prime minister followed Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada’s amnesty pledge, stating that all returning people would not experience difficulties or face repercussions for their past actions. According to him, the purpose is to bring the nation together and allow all sides to move on, instead of penalizing anyone.

At the same time, the pledge given by the Taliban is not fully trusted by the world or by Afghans living in other countries. After the amnesty was declared, people were still forced into extra-legal punishments, disappeared, and faced repression in Taliban-run Afghanistan. These findings indicate that the Taliban’s claims cannot be trusted for people belonging to the old U.S.-backed government or civil society.

Even so, the overall meaning behind the Prime Minister’s message indicates a major shift in the way Afghanistan is governed. Even though the Taliban continues to stick to its firm beliefs, it is now showing an interest in encouraging national renewal and stability. As U.S. and several Western countries close their borders to immigration, bringing Afghan nationals home could be both meaningful and useful at the same time. This step would give confidence to the country and reduce the pressure on those who left and missed out on the country’s progress.

The acting prime minister followed Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada’s amnesty pledge, stating that all returning people would not experience difficulties.

Taking the step to go back to Afghanistan is not easy for those Afghans living outside their homeland. Pressure from its own immigration policies has caused the United States to process thousands of Afghan evacuees through humanitarian parole, yet a lot of them are waiting for legal solutions. Because their parole may be only temporary and there are many waiting for help with resettlement, Afghan refugees do not know what the future holds. Some people who have escaped have been welcomed in Canada, Germany, and Australia, while others still wait in refugee camps or temporary housing for a permanent fix.

Because of this transition, things Murtaza says from Kabul could be heard differently now. For a certain group, it gives an opportunity to come home, keep their traditions, and take part in recovery. Other people might see it as a move created to please the world audience rather than truly trying to bring peace.

One thing that is obvious is that dealing with displaced Afghans remains one of the biggest concerns in the region. Given that about six million Afghans have become displaced from their homes, the international community is dealing with a serious problem of their integration, protection, and long-term planning. If these people are to come back, they will need the government’s support, social programs, and security, all of which are still lacking in the country under the current ruling group.

This appeal by the Taliban for Afghanistan’s citizens to return also leads people to wonder about how Afghanistan will interact with other countries. Whereas China and Russia, along with a few other regions, are willing to deal with the Taliban, the West still appears to be uncertain. Many people find the Taliban’s actions problematic and continue to highlight their poor record in human rights.

After the amnesty was declared, people were still forced into extra-judicial punishments, disappeared, and faced repression in Taliban-run Afghanistan.

With the world’s response to migration becoming more negative, Afghanistan’s message to its exiled communities shows its efforts to address rejection and plan for rebuilding the population. The call by the Taliban for excluded Afghans is useful at this moment but may result in problems for those considering returning and for the Taliban’s credibility.

The statement made by Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund marks an essential point in Afghanistan’s post-occupation story. There are promises of peace and harmony, while the past and present struggles work to cast a shadow on the message of unity. How Afghans living overseas react will depend a lot on things such as real changes to the country, safeguarding basic rights, and relooking at the relationship between the people and the government. In the meantime, many people will observe from where they are and consider if the dangers of leaving are worse than trying to settle new lives in different countries.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.