PARIS: France has begun talks with the Taliban government to “facilitate” the deportation of Afghan citizens to Afghanistan, a diplomatic source said on Wednesday. Paris has had no diplomatic relations with the Taliban authorities since their return to power in August 2021, and its embassy in Kabul remains closed. But it has joined about 20 EU countries including Germany, Belgium and Sweden to speed up the return of Afghans, specifically those who have been convicted by courts. “As in other European countries, a technical dialogue has been initiated with the Taliban in order to facilitate the direct removal to Afghanistan of Afghan nationals in an irregular situation who pose a threat to public order,” the source said. The Taliban authorities, which are not officially recognised by the European Union, are seeking to strengthen their international standing. France’s foreign ministry did not respond to questions on whether Taliban representatives would be able to visit the country to accelerate procedures. The diplomatic source did not specify the number of individuals who could be deported, but another source familiar with the matter said it could be “hundreds”. “This technical dialogue does not call our position on Afghanistan into question,” the diplomatic source said, adding: “And we are maintaining our support for the Afghan population, and in particular for Afghan women.” A June meeting between Taliban government officials and EU lawmakers sparked criticism from human rights organisations and left-leaning groups in the European parliament. Since returning to power, the Taliban has imposed a strict version of Islamic law on Afghanistan. Women are particularly affected, being banned from public places and most jobs, while education for girls beyond age 12 is outlawed. Published in Dawn, October 8th, 2026