Belgium has issued five visas to a Taliban delegation to attend an EU meeting in Brussels on migration and discuss the deportation of Afghan asylum seekers. The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, will be the first time the EU has engaged with the Taliban since their return to power in Afghanistan last year. The visas were granted after a security assessment and are valid for one day only. The European Commission has invited the Taliban officials to discuss irregular migration from Afghanistan to the EU and the deportation of Afghan individuals with rejected asylum applications.
Why It Matters
The EU’s decision to engage with the Taliban on migration and deportation issues is significant as it marks a shift in diplomatic relations following the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan. The meeting highlights the EU’s efforts to address the challenges posed by irregular migration from Afghanistan while also navigating the human rights concerns raised by rights organizations. The discussions come at a time when Afghanistan is facing a deep humanitarian crisis, with millions of Afghans experiencing food insecurity and the country absorbing a large number of returnees from Iran and Pakistan. The article discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on small businesses in the United States. It highlights how many small businesses have been forced to close permanently or lay off employees due to the economic downturn caused by the pandemic. The article also mentions the struggles faced by small business owners in accessing government relief programs and adapting to new health and safety regulations. Overall, the pandemic has had a devastating effect on small businesses across the country, with many unsure of their future.
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