France holds technical talks with Taliban to deport Afghan nationals
France is conducting technical talks with the Taliban to arrange the deportation of Afghan nationals living in France without legal status or deemed a security threat. The discussions were announced on 5 November 2026 and target irregular Afghan residents, while asylum seekers and women are explicitly excluded.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- France is negotiating technical arrangements with the Taliban to deport irregular Afghan nationals
- Timing
- Announcement made on 5 November 2026 with no specific start date given
- Who is affected
- Afghan nationals in France without legal status or considered a national security risk
The details
- Announced by
- French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez
- New rule
- France will engage in technical talks with the Taliban to facilitate the removal of Afghan nationals who are in France illegally or pose a threat to public order, while explicitly excluding asylum seekers and women from any return.
Government decision and context
On 5 November 2026, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez told the French parliament that Paris is seeking to return Afghans living in France without legal status, including those considered a threat to public order. He described the initiative as "technical discussions" aimed at enabling deportations.
The move aligns France with roughly twenty other EU countries that have intensified efforts to repatriate Afghan nationals, especially those convicted of crimes. Critics argue that such cooperation could lend legitimacy to the Taliban regime, which the French government does not formally recognise.
Targeted individuals
The talks focus on Afghan nationals who lack a valid residence permit in France and on those identified as posing a national security risk. The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs emphasized that any deportations will respect France's international obligations and aim to protect public safety.
The ministry also stressed that, under no circumstances, will asylum seekers or women be returned to Afghanistan, reflecting concerns over the Taliban's restrictions on women's rights and the broader humanitarian situation.
- Afghan nationals without legal residence permits
- Afghan nationals deemed a threat to public order
- Excludes asylum seekers
- Excludes women
Implementation and safeguards
Technical discussions with the Taliban are intended to establish practical procedures for the return of the identified individuals. France has indicated that any deportation will be carried out in line with its legal commitments and will not compromise the safety of vulnerable groups.
The government has not provided a concrete timetable for when the first removals might occur. It remains to be seen how the negotiations will translate into operational steps, and the French parliament will continue to monitor the process.
- Deportations will comply with international obligations
- No asylum seekers or women will be returned
- Process subject to parliamentary oversight
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Existing travel plans to France are not affected by the announced talks.
- Future visa applications for non‑Afghan nationals continue under current French rules.
Cost and documents
- No new fees are introduced for entering or staying in France.
- Travelers do not need additional documents related to the Afghan deportation talks.
What you need to do
- Afghan nationals without a valid residence permit should monitor official French announcements for possible future procedures.
- Individuals identified as security risks should be prepared for possible removal once technical arrangements are finalized.
Who this affects
-
Afghan nationals without legal status in France
They are the primary target of the technical talks aimed at facilitating deportation.
What to do Stay informed about any forthcoming procedural notices from French authorities.
-
Afghan nationals considered a national security threat
The government specifically mentioned those who might constitute threats to public order.
What to do Monitor official communications for possible removal actions.
-
Afghan asylum seekers in France
The ministry explicitly stated that asylum seekers will not be returned.
-
Afghan women residing in France
Women are excluded from any deportation under the announced policy.
Frequently asked questions
Is France planning to deport Afghan nationals back to Afghanistan?
Yes, France announced technical talks with the Taliban to arrange the deportation of Afghan nationals who lack legal status or are deemed a security threat, while excluding asylum seekers and women from any return.
When will France start deporting Afghans?
The announcement was made on 5 November 2026, but no specific start date for deportations was provided; the process depends on the outcome of technical discussions with the Taliban.
Are Afghan asylum seekers in France at risk of being deported?
No, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs stated that under no circumstances will asylum seekers be returned to Afghanistan.
Will Afghan women be sent back to Afghanistan from France?
No, the French government explicitly said that women will not be deported to Afghanistan, reflecting concerns over the Taliban's treatment of women.
Which Afghan nationals are targeted by France's deportation talks?
The talks focus on Afghan individuals who are in France illegally or are considered a threat to public order, while excluding asylum seekers and women.
How can Afghan nationals in France find out if they are affected?
They should follow official communications from the French interior ministry and monitor any procedural notices that may be issued following the technical discussions.
