The United Kingdom is considering reopening deportations to Afghanistan through potential talks with the Taliban, signaling a major shift in policy nearly four years after removals were halted. According to reporting by The Times, the proposal is under discussion within government as officials respond to increasing migration pressures and monitor similar moves across Europe.
Shabana Mahmood confirmed that the government is closely observing European Union plans to engage with Taliban representatives over the possibility of resuming deportation flights. Sweden is expected to lead these discussions on behalf of the EU, with a meeting scheduled in Brussels later this year that may include Taliban officials.
The UK suspended deportations to Afghanistan in August 2021 after the Taliban regained control, citing safety concerns and the refusal to formally recognize the regime. Since then, nearly 40,000 Afghans have been granted settlement in the UK through special resettlement schemes, separate from the asylum system.
Despite this, Mahmood indicated that internal discussions are ongoing about potentially resuming deportations. While she declined to confirm direct negotiations, she stated that the UK is monitoring how other countries are handling similar situations. Government sources suggest that any future deportations would likely focus on individuals convicted of criminal offenses and those whose asylum claims have been rejected.
The review forms part of a broader reassessment of countries previously considered unsafe for returns. The Home Office has also explored similar possibilities for Syria, where deportations have been suspended since the outbreak of civil war in 2011.
Afghans remain one of the largest groups seeking asylum in the UK, with around 36,000 applications since 2020, many arriving via small boat crossings across the English Channel. While approval rates were initially high, policy changes introduced in 2023 have led to a sharp decline, with only 38 percent of claims granted last year. Updated guidance now suggests that most Afghans would not face significant risk from the Taliban if returned.
However, the inability to deport rejected applicants has left many in legal uncertainty, without the right to work, study, or access full state support. Ministers believe this situation may act as a pull factor, encouraging more migrants to attempt dangerous journeys to the UK.
Mahmood has taken a tougher stance on migration enforcement since becoming home secretary, including launching a voluntary return scheme offering financial incentives of up to £10,000 per individual or £40,000 per family. The initiative targets asylum seekers living in government-funded accommodation and is expected to reduce public spending, although the number of participants has not been disclosed.
As European countries begin exploring new approaches, including engagement with previously isolated regimes, the UK’s consideration of talks with the Taliban marks a potentially controversial turning point in its migration policy, with significant implications for asylum seekers and international relations.
