The European Union’s border agency, Frontex, has returned nearly 50 Afghan asylum seekers to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan since the beginning of 2026 under its voluntary return programme, according to an exclusive report published by EUobserver.
The report says the programme inside Afghanistan is being implemented by the Belgian non-governmental organization IRARA, whose senior officials previously worked for British private security companies, including Serco and Mitie.
According to EUobserver, IRARA has become one of Frontex’s largest contractors in recent years. The organization reportedly received a €19.5 million contract from Frontex in 2024, followed by approximately €39 million in 2025, while its assets have increased significantly over the same period.
The report also raises questions about transparency, noting that although IRARA has officially confirmed its cooperation with Frontex in Afghanistan, its public website makes no reference to activities in Afghanistan or to its work with the EU border agency there.
EUobserver further reports that the European Union is expanding indirect contacts with the Taliban to discuss the issue of returning Afghan migrants. As part of those efforts, a Taliban delegation reportedly met representatives from 15 EU member states in Brussels in June to discuss migration and returns.
Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens told EUobserver that the agency is not currently in a position to carry out forced deportations to Afghanistan. However, he said such a policy could change in the future depending on decisions taken by EU member states and developments inside Afghanistan.
The report comes as international human rights organizations continue to warn against returning asylum seekers to Afghanistan, arguing that the country’s human rights and security situation—particularly for women and minority communities—remains deeply concerning.
