France opens technical dialogue with Taliban to deport Afghan nationals

Technical talks launched by Paris

France has opened technical discussions with the Taliban authorities to facilitate the deportation of Afghan nationals residing in the country without legal status. A French diplomatic source stated on 7 October 2026 that the dialogue focuses specifically on individuals who pose a threat to public order and those convicted by courts. The French government severed official diplomatic ties with the Taliban following their return to power in Kabul in August 2021, leaving the French embassy in the Afghan capital closed. Officials in Paris did not specify the exact number of individuals subject to removal, though sources familiar with the matter indicated that several hundred people could eventually be deported. The French foreign ministry did not respond to inquiries regarding whether Taliban representatives would be permitted to travel to France to conduct negotiations.

Coordination among European Union members

France is among approximately 20 European Union member states seeking to accelerate the repatriation of Afghan citizens, particularly convicted criminals. In June 2026, a Taliban delegation travelled to Brussels to hold talks with European Union officials and representatives from 15 member countries regarding the readmission of rejected asylum applicants. Germany has taken comparable measures, announcing on 31 August 2026 that it authorized Taliban government delegates to visit the country for technical consultations on returns. German Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt directed policies that enabled the deportation of convicted Afghan criminals before expanding procedures to include non-delinquent individuals. Germany has also permitted Taliban representatives to assume administrative control over Afghanistan's diplomatic missions on German territory, a step rejected by nations such as Austria.

Domestic and international reactions

The initiation of direct engagement between European governments and the Taliban has drawn criticism from human rights groups and left-wing factions in the European Parliament. Human rights organisations and left-wing parliamentary groups protested the June 2026 Brussels meetings, stating that technical dialogue grants legitimacy to an administration not officially recognized by the European Union. Diplomatic sources in Paris stated that technical exchanges on migration management do not alter the French government's broader foreign policy stance toward the Taliban administration. The same sources stated that France continues to maintain its support for the Afghan population, particularly women living under the regime. The Taliban authorities, meanwhile, continue to pursue engagement with European capitals to expand their external standing and establish administrative cooperation abroad.

Living conditions and restrictions in Afghanistan

Since regaining control of Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban have enforced a strict interpretation of Islamic law across the country. These administrative measures have placed extensive constraints on the civilian population, with female residents facing the most severe restrictions. Afghan women remain barred from public parks, most workplaces, and general public gatherings under decrees issued by Kabul authorities. Furthermore, the regime maintains an active ban prohibiting girls over the age of 12 from attending secondary schools and universities. European officials maintain that discussions with Kabul focus strictly on migration logistics rather than political recognition of the Taliban government.