The government of Belgium has issued visas to five members of Taliban delegation to attend a European Union meeting on migration in Brussels, the visas are highly restricted in duration and geographical validity, and are valid only for a one-day visit to Belgium.
The European Commission last month invited Taliban representatives to attend a technical meeting on the return and readmission of Afghan nationals who do not have the right to remain in EU member states.
According to reports, the visas were issued on Tuesday evening.
European Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert said the meeting is technical in nature and does not imply recognition of Taliban.
He added that some EU member states are seeking ways to deport individuals who have committed serious crimes or pose a security threat.
A letter seen by Reuters indicates that the main focus of the discussions will be the “return and readmission of Afghan nationals who do not have the right to reside in the European Union.”
Taliban officials have not yet commented on the matter.
hz/sa
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