Afghan staff working for European embassies in the Afghan capital voiced their anguish of being abandoned and left to become, along with their families, easy targets in possible reprisal acts by resurgent Taliban militants.
“The situation is getting worse,” an Afghan employee working for a European member state embassy in Kabul said, adding: “we’re running out of time. Our lives and those of our families are at grave risk due to our affiliation with Nato members. We are defenceless.”
More than a dozen Afghans who worked for European Union member state embassies expressed their concerns that their employers will turn their backs on them as they did to their country and many fear retaliatory attacks due to their affiliation with foreign entities.
While The National verified the identity of each person interviewed, all Afghan employees in foreign embassies asked to remain anonymous, fearing retribution from the Taliban and consequences in their workplace.
A number of foreign embassies in Kabul have recently reduced their international staff, urging their citizens to leave Afghanistan if possible, as tensions are growing before the May 1 deadline of US and allied troops withdrawal.
Many local staff members have shifted to working from home, afraid to even leave their own houses as targeted killings have been on the rise.
The UK’s foreign office said it now advised against “all travel to the remaining parts of the country,” while previously advising against all but essential travel.
The US Embassy in Kabul ordered their non-essential staff to leave Afghanistan.
Afghan nationals working with the US Embassy are eligible to apply for a special immigrant visa after two years of service, the UK recently launched a similar initiative; the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy.
“We’re committed to ensuring that there is a fair system for the relocation of Afghan interpreters and staff who have worked with us. Any current or former locally engaged or country-based staff members assessed to be at serious risk of threat to life due to their employment with us, now or in the future, or who have been exposed to public recognition, will be offered relocation to the UK regardless of their rank or role or length of time served,” the spokesperson in the British Embassy in Kabul said.
The EU has a strong presence as well; with their employees equally in danger.
According to the Passport Index, the Afghan passport currently ranks the world’s lowest, meaning Afghanis require visas for most countries they want to visit even if the security situation in the country escalates.
The UN said that civilian casualties throughout the country have gone up by 29 per cent in the first three months of the year, compared to the same period last year.
The Global Peace Index ranks Afghanistan the world’s most dangerous country.
The European Union has not commented on how they will assist and support their Afghan employees in the coming months.
"The protection of our staff in Kabul is our first priority and we always work to guarantee that they can fulfil their tasks in the most secure possible environment. All possible security measures are being taken to continue providing security to all the European Union staff working in Kabul now and after the 1st of May," an EU spokesman in Brussels told The National.
The Dutch Embassy in Kabul has acknowledged the difficult situation.
“We are familiar with the concerns and take them most seriously. The Ministry is researching at the moment what we can do for the Afghan nationals working for the Dutch Embassy and how the safety of those colleagues is best served,” spokesperson Maxime Hovenkamp said in an email.
The annual threat assessment of the US intelligence community, published earlier this month, warned that the Taliban is confident it can achieve a military victory, reporting that they are likely to make gains on the battlefield, and the Afghan government will struggle to hold the them at bay if the coalition withdraw support.
Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid warned that “problems will certainly be compounded” in response to the US announcing their troop withdrawal date to be September 11; months after the initially pledged May 1 deadline.
Abdul Ghafoor, founder and director of the Afghanistan Migrants Advise and Support Organisation said that foreign embassies should not hand their Afghan staff “over to insurgents and the Taliban”.
“Afghans have put their lives in danger to help the international community in Afghanistan to make sure their time goes as smooth as possible. Now that they are withdrawing, it is those embassies’ responsibility to help the Afghans who put their lives in danger,” he said, adding that dozens of activists and even embassy employees were on the Taliban’s “target list”.
Afghanistan’s future is the number one discussion topic in the Afghan capital as grave concern looms that history could repeat itself – meaning the country could potentially see a civil war or a stronger Taliban trying to once again take over.
Another woman, working with a European embassy in Kabul, said she was worried about the welfare of her children as her workplace didn’t pledge any realistic measures to keep her and her family safe.
“I can’t even visit my village outside Kabul any more and I don’t even share where I work with my relatives; only my husband knows,” she said.
“We helped them when they needed us, so it’s their moral obligation to help us now. Once the International forces leave, I’m not confident that the Afghan forces will be able to keep Kabul secure,” she added.
With May 1 just days away, Afghanistan political expert Torek Farhadi said that Europeans should, at a minimum, actively look if they can give their staff members and families jobs and university scholarships for higher education studies in the EU. This, he said, will help remove them from a potentially dangerous theatre.
“Europe should distinguish itself by talking a long view on Afghanistan’s prospects. After an initial period of uncertainty and violence, the country will eventually stabilise and an investment in Afghans who worked for them and supported universal human rights is a noble move; certainly a good value for future mutual interests,” Mr Farhadi said.
Profile box
Company name: baraka
Started: July 2020
Founders: Feras Jalbout and Kunal Taneja
Based: Dubai and Bahrain
Sector: FinTech
Initial investment: $150,000
Current staff: 12
Stage: Pre-seed capital raising of $1 million
Investors: Class 5 Global, FJ Labs, IMO Ventures, The Community Fund, VentureSouq, Fox Ventures, Dr Abdulla Elyas (private investment)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
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Race card
4pm Al Bastakiya Listed US$300,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
4.35pm Mahab Al Shimaal Group 3 $350,000 (D) 1,200m
5.10pm Nad Al Sheba Turf Group 3 $350,000 (Turf) 1,200m
5.45pm Burj Nahaar Group 3 $350,000 (D) 1,600m
6.20pm Jebel Hatta Group 1 $400,000 (T) 1,800m
6.55pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-3 Group 1 $600,000 (D) 2,000m
7.30pm Dubai City Of Gold Group 2 $350,000 (T) 2,410m
The National selections:
4pm Zabardast
4.35pm Ibn Malik
5.10pm Space Blues
5.45pm Kimbear
6.20pm Barney Roy
6.55pm Matterhorn
7.30pm Defoe
A little about CVRL
Founded in 1985 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) is a government diagnostic centre that provides testing and research facilities to the UAE and neighbouring countries.
One of its main goals is to provide permanent treatment solutions for veterinary related diseases.
The taxidermy centre was established 12 years ago and is headed by Dr Ulrich Wernery.
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
More coverage from the Future Forum
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Results
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,200m, Winner: ES Rubban, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Ibrahim Aseel (trainer)
5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh85,000 (T) 1,200m, Winner: Al Mobher, Sczcepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m, Winner: Jabalini, Tadhg O’Shea, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
6.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 2,200m, Winner: AF Abahe, Tadgh O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
7pm: Handicap (PA) Dh85,000 (T) 1,600m, Winner: AF Makerah, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
7.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m, Winner: Law Of Peace, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Company profile
Name: Infinite8
Based: Dubai
Launch year: 2017
Number of employees: 90
Sector: Online gaming industry
Funding: $1.2m from a UAE angel investor
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Director: Jon Favreau
Starring: Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, John Oliver
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES
(All games 4-3pm kick UAE time) Bayern Munich v Augsburg, Borussia Dortmund v Bayer Leverkusen, Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin, Wolfsburg v Mainz , Eintracht Frankfurt v Freiburg, Union Berlin v RB Leipzig, Cologne v Schalke , Werder Bremen v Borussia Monchengladbach, Stuttgart v Arminia Bielefeld
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder MHEV
Power: 360bhp
Torque: 500Nm
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Price: from Dh282,870
On sale: now
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
How to vote
Canadians living in the UAE can register to vote online and be added to the International Register of Electors.
They'll then be sent a special ballot voting kit by mail either to their address, the Consulate General of Canada to the UAE in Dubai or The Embassy of Canada in Abu Dhabi
Registered voters mark the ballot with their choice and must send it back by 6pm Eastern time on October 21 (2am next Friday)
How to join and use Abu Dhabi’s public libraries
• There are six libraries in Abu Dhabi emirate run by the Department of Culture and Tourism, including one in Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
• Libraries are free to visit and visitors can consult books, use online resources and study there. Most are open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays, closed on Fridays and have variable hours on Saturdays, except for Qasr Al Watan which is open from 10am to 8pm every day.
• In order to borrow books, visitors must join the service by providing a passport photograph, Emirates ID and a refundable deposit of Dh400. Members can borrow five books for three weeks, all of which are renewable up to two times online.
• If users do not wish to pay the fee, they can still use the library’s electronic resources for free by simply registering on the website. Once registered, a username and password is provided, allowing remote access.
• For more information visit the library network's website.
Why it pays to compare
A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.
Route 1: bank transfer
The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.
Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount
Total received: €4,670.30
Route 2: online platform
The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.
Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction
Total received: €4,756
The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
Royal wedding inspired menu
Ginger, citrus and orange blossom iced tea
Avocado ranch dip with crudites
Cucumber, smoked salmon and cream cheese mini club sandwiches
Elderflower and lemon syllabub meringue
Zayed Sustainability Prize
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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United States
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China
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UAE
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Japan
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5
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Norway
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Canada
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Singapore
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Australia
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Saudi Arabia
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South Korea
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Stage 3 results
1 Adam Yates (GBR) Mitchelton-Scott 4:42:33
2 Tadej Pocagar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates 0:01:03
3 Alexey Lutsenko (KAZ) Astana 0:01:30
4 David Gaudu (FRA) Groupama-FDJ
5 Rafal Majka (POL) Bora-Hansgrohe
6 Diego Ulissi (ITA) UAE Team Emirates 0:01:56
General Classification after Stage 3:
1 Adam Yates (GBR) Mitchelton-Scott 12:30:02
2 Tadej Pocagar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates 0:01:07
3 Alexey Lutsenko (KAZ) Astana 0:01:35
4 David Gaudu (FRA) Groupama-FDJ 0:01:40
5 Rafal Majka (POL) Bora-Hansgrohe
6 Wilco Kelderman (NED) Team Sunweb) 0:02:06
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Infobox
Western Region Asia Cup Qualifier, Al Amerat, Oman
The two finalists advance to the next stage of qualifying, in Malaysia in August
Results
UAE beat Iran by 10 wickets
Kuwait beat Saudi Arabia by eight wickets
Oman beat Bahrain by nine wickets
Qatar beat Maldives by 106 runs
Monday fixtures
UAE v Kuwait, Iran v Saudi Arabia, Oman v Qatar, Maldives v Bahrain
Asia Cup 2018 Qualifier
Sunday's results:
- UAE beat Malaysia by eight wickets
- Nepal beat Singapore by four wickets
- Oman v Hong Kong, no result
Tuesday fixtures:
- Malaysia v Singapore
- UAE v Oman
- Nepal v Hong Kong
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, second leg
Roma 4
Milner (15' OG), Dzeko (52'), Nainggolan (86', 90 4')
Liverpool 2
Mane (9'), Wijnaldum (25')
