In August 2025, the Taliban administration began registering 1,800 unemployed Afghan refugees for employment opportunities in Qatar. This initiative is part of a larger labor agreement designed to address domestic unemployment. The program follows a previous registration drive that successfully placed 3,100 Afghans in Qatar's food and hospitality sectors. The current registration specifically targets individuals who had been expelled from Iran and Pakistan, with centers established in Kabul, Kandahar, Herat, and Nangarhar. The available work visas cover 22 job categories, offering a vital pathway for Afghan returnees to rebuild their lives and contribute to the economy.
However, the significant influx of returning Afghans has prompted considerable human rights concerns. A United Nations report released in July 2025 detailed instances of torture, arbitrary arrests, and threats to personal security for individuals involuntarily returned to Afghanistan. The report identified women, girls, former government officials, and security force members as particularly vulnerable. The UN has emphasized the need for robust reintegration programs to foster peace and social cohesion. Stephanie Loose from UN-Habitat advocates for viewing returnees as valuable contributors with skills, rather than a societal burden, highlighting their potential role in national development. The Taliban government is actively pursuing similar labor agreements with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Turkey, and Russia to expand overseas employment prospects for Afghan workers.