President Donald Trump recently announced his intention to assist Afghan evacuees stranded in the United Arab Emirates, emphasizing immediate action to protect those who aided U.S. forces during the Afghanistan conflict. However, internal communications reveal that the UAE had already started returning some of these evacuees to Afghanistan, potentially undermining Trump’s commitment.
Since 2021, the UAE has hosted thousands of Afghans who fled Kabul during the U.S. withdrawal and the Taliban’s takeover. Approximately 17,000 evacuees have passed through the Emirates Humanitarian City in Abu Dhabi, a facility set up to temporarily house them. Despite this, over 30 individuals remain in limbo, facing uncertain futures. Recent reports indicate that UAE officials informed U.S. counterparts on July 10 that two families were sent back to Afghanistan earlier that month. The UAE also planned to return 25 more evacuees by July 20, citing a desire to resolve the situation permanently.
The decision to deport these Afghans has sparked concern, particularly as some sources claim the returns were not entirely voluntary. Allegations suggest that evacuees faced pressure to sign deportation agreements or risk forced removal, raising questions about their safety under Taliban rule. The Taliban’s restrictions on women’s rights and education amplify fears for returnees, especially women and children.
Trump’s pledge, shared via a public statement, responded to reports that UAE authorities might hand over Afghan refugees to the Taliban. His administration, which has prioritized stricter immigration policies, including suspending refugee resettlement and ending temporary protections for Afghans in the U.S., now faces pressure to act swiftly. Advocacy groups like #AfghanEvac have urged Trump to expedite processing and secure third-country partnerships to prevent further deportations.
The situation also has implications for approximately 1,500 Afghans held in a similar facility in Qatar’s Camp As Sayliyah. The handling of these cases could set a precedent for their future. As the UAE seeks assurances from the Taliban for returnees’ safety, the international community watches closely. The fate of these evacuees underscores the complexities of balancing diplomatic relations, national security, and humanitarian obligations in a region marked by ongoing instability.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 21st, 2025
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