AGP Executive Report

US Immigration Overhaul: The Trump administration says most green-card applicants already in the U.S. must “leave and apply from their home country,” with only “extraordinary circumstances” as exceptions—an abrupt shift that could affect hundreds of thousands and disrupt family and work plans. Afghanistan Road Safety: In Kabul’s Surobi district, a Kabul–Jalalabad highway crash left 4 bodies recovered and 5 people missing after vehicles plunged into a river; officials urge drivers to avoid speeding and reckless overtaking. Travel Disruption Update: The Salang highway linking Kabul to northern provinces has reopened after flash-flood closures, with warnings of more storms and heavy rain ahead. UK Criminal Charges: Seven Afghan men face UK charges tied to an alleged child grooming and sexual abuse case in Norfolk. Regional Links: Azerbaijan says cooperation with Afghanistan is expanding across politics, education, and people-to-people ties, with its Kabul embassy fully operational.

Green Card Shift (US): The Trump administration says most foreigners applying for green cards from temporary status must leave the U.S. and apply from their home countries, with “extraordinary circumstances” as the main exception—an abrupt change that immigration lawyers warn could affect hundreds of thousands. Afghanistan Travel & Tourism (Taliban): Despite claims that Taliban-era Afghanistan is welcoming tourists, critics say travel promotion often glosses over harsher restrictions on Afghan women and rights abuses. EU-Taliban Talks: The European Commission confirmed it plans technical meetings with a Taliban delegation in Brussels this summer, framed as migration and deportation discussions rather than recognition—already a flashpoint for protests. Regional Diplomacy (Azerbaijan): Azerbaijan says ties with Kabul are expanding across politics, education, and people-to-people links, with its Kabul embassy fully operational. Afghan Women’s Milestone: An Afghan woman, Zakia Ahmad (“River”), has become the first Afghan woman to summit Everest, spotlighting women’s rights and refugee resilience. Economy & Aid Pressure: World Bank flags delays in Pakistan’s Khyber Pass corridor project that aims to boost connectivity with Afghanistan, while Afghan families report worsening purchasing power ahead of Eid al-Adha.

Tourism Crackdown: Afghanistan’s Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs says it has summoned tourism and pilgrimage company reps over allegations of illegally issuing work visas via black-market networks, warning firms to stop charging fees and to cooperate with investigations. Women’s Rights Through Sport: Australia-based Afghan refugee Zakia “River” Ahmad became the first Afghan woman to summit Mount Everest, framing the climb as a push for women’s rights and refugee resilience after surviving Taliban violence. Hajj Oversight: Afghanistan’s Hajj minister has traveled to Saudi Arabia to monitor services for Afghan pilgrims, including accommodation, transport, food, healthcare, and organized transfers. Travel & Trade: A new railway station on the Hairatan–Mazar-e-Sharif line opened in Mazar-e-Sharif, with a first commercial cargo shipment arriving by train, and officials renewed talk of easier future travel with Uzbekistan. Security Context: UN-backed reporting this week also highlights ongoing Taliban-era restrictions and humanitarian strain, as Eid approaches and families report rising food prices.

Taliban Women’s Rights: UNAMA says a new Taliban decree on “judicial separation of spouses” (Decree No. 18) locks in unequal divorce rules—men keep unilateral power while women face restrictive procedures—adding to a broader squeeze on girls’ education and women’s public life. Hajj Logistics: The Taliban reports moving 30,000+ Afghans to Saudi Arabia for Hajj via 97 flights, with medical teams included, but some pilgrims complain about transport, accommodation, food, and guide knowledge. Migration Pressure: IOM says 114,321 Afghans returned from Iran and Pakistan in a two-week period, with returns from Iran rising sharply. Regional Pipeline Talks: A Taliban delegation met Turkmen officials on the TAPI gas pipeline, focusing on land, pricing, and implementation—another sign of Afghanistan’s push to monetize transit routes. Travel Context: Eid al-Adha is also hitting Kabul with higher food prices, as residents blame weak oversight and trade disruptions.

Hajj Logistics: The Taliban says it has completed the transfer of 30,000+ Afghans to Saudi Arabia for Hajj, moving pilgrims on 97 flights to Jeddah and Medina and sending medical teams and supplies; the ministry puts the cost at AFN 266,000 per person (about $4,200), though some pilgrims complain of transport, accommodation, food, and guide shortcomings. Migration Pressure: IOM reports 114,000+ Afghans returned from Iran and Pakistan between Apr 26–May 9, with returns from Iran rising sharply. Security & Tensions: In Badakhshan, the Taliban deployed a new unit to Shukai as gold mine disputes escalate, while earlier reports this week also point to broader unrest tied to mining control. Regional Diplomacy: A senior Taliban delegation visited Turkmenistan for TAPI pipeline talks, focusing on route land acquisition and gas export pricing. Counterterror Court Case: In India, a Bengaluru NIA court sentenced Hamraz Shaikh to seven years for radicalising and recruiting youth linked to Taliban/TTP ideology.

Afghan Travel & Mobility: Iran’s Saha Airline has launched direct weekly flights between Mashhad and Mazar-e-Sharif, a fresh boost for traders, patients, and families moving between the two countries. Culture & Heritage: A permanent exhibition of historical stones has opened near Herat’s citadel, featuring 220+ types dating back centuries and drawing both domestic and foreign visitors. Security & Governance: The Taliban has published marital separation regulations that rights groups warn effectively legitimize child marriage and deepen restrictions on women. Humanitarian Pressure: WFP is warning Afghanistan’s hunger and malnutrition crisis is worsening, with mothers and children hit hardest. Regional Diplomacy: China’s Xi met Russia’s Putin in Beijing, while a Chinese envoy reportedly held talks in Afghanistan with Taliban officials. Ongoing Travel Constraint: Britain has halted in-country transfers of Afghan collaborators inside Afghanistan, though third-country resettlement continues.

UK Afghan Rescue Row: UK ministers are accused of a “complete contradiction” after saying they’ll bring Afghans to safety while cutting the support that helped people escape Taliban-controlled areas, with MPs also probing the fallout from a Kabul data leak and a superinjunction that limited reporting. Badakhshan Mining Tensions: In Afghanistan’s northeast, gold mining in parts of Badakhshan has been suspended as disputes over control of mines intensify, with Taliban officials warning against “illegal seizure” and deploying forces to curb unrest. EU-Taliban Contact: The EU is still moving toward technical-level engagement with the Taliban over deportation talks, drawing sharp criticism that it risks normalizing a regime accused of gender apartheid. Women’s Rights & Services Pressure: Ongoing coverage highlights worsening restrictions on women and a deepening humanitarian squeeze, with WFP warning hunger and malnutrition are hitting mothers and children hardest. Afghan Travel/Visas Watch: Separate reporting notes Afghanistan-related administrative friction—citizens complain about costly, slow licensing and paperwork hurdles under Taliban rule.

UK Afghan Allies: Britain has stopped the in-country transfer process for former collaborators inside Afghanistan, while third-country resettlement continues, with an end target of December 2028 and a deadline of April 2027 for people to reach a visa-issuing authority. Taliban Rule Backlash: A new Taliban marriage regulation has triggered global outrage, with critics saying a “virgin girl’s” silence after puberty can be treated as consent and that child marriage is effectively legitimized. EU Deportation Talks: The EU’s plan to invite Taliban officials to Brussels for immigration-related discussions is drawing pressure from rights groups and journalists, who warn it risks legitimizing the regime. China’s Outreach: China’s special envoy for Afghan affairs met Taliban leaders and also visited Qatar, pushing regional stability and cooperation. Afghan Business Friction: Citizens complain Taliban-era licensing is slow and costly, with rejected documents and extra paperwork. Sports (Afghanistan Series Context): India named squads for its Test and ODI series vs Afghanistan; Jasprit Bumrah was rested and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi earned India A exposure.

China-Afghanistan Diplomacy: China’s special envoy for Afghan affairs, Yue Xiaoyong, wrapped talks in Kabul with Acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi and senior Interior adviser Anas Haqqani, focusing on relations and regional stability. EU-Taliban Friction: Rights groups and the Committee to Protect Journalists are pushing back hard on the EU’s plan to invite Taliban officials to Brussels over deportation and asylum returns, warning it boosts Taliban legitimacy while media repression continues. Taliban Bureaucracy at Home: Kabul residents report harassment at checkpoints, including mockery over language and alleged drug planting and extortion. Women’s Rights Under Pressure: Rights groups say a new Taliban regulation effectively legitimizes child and forced marriage, while separate reporting highlights a worsening women’s health crisis driven by clinic closures, shortages of female staff, education restrictions, and shrinking aid. Local Power Struggles: In Badakhshan, Taliban internal tensions are escalating around gold mines, with detentions and workshop shutdowns tied to permit control. Regional Security Spillover: Pakistan’s polio campaign continues amid deadly attacks on teams in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, underscoring how Afghanistan-linked border violence keeps spreading.

Taliban Family-Law Crackdown: Rights groups are calling for the immediate repeal of the Taliban’s new “Proclamation of Spousal Separation,” warning it legitimizes child and forced marriage and treats girls’ silence as consent. Women’s Health Emergency: Afghanistan’s women’s healthcare is worsening fast as clinics close, female staff shortages grow, girls’ education is restricted, and foreign aid declines—leaving many unable to even afford transport to reach care. Kabul Checkpoint Harassment: Residents report repeated Taliban searches on Fridays, mockery over language and appearance, and allegations of extortion after drugs are planted. Security in the Region: In Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, four security men—including two protecting polio workers—were shot dead, underscoring ongoing attacks around vaccination drives. Cultural Spotlight: International Museum Day highlighted Afghanistan’s National Museum in Kabul, home to 60,000+ artifacts, despite space and facility limits. Trade Pressure in Badakhshan: Taliban internal tensions over gold mines are escalating, with detentions and workshop shutdowns tied to permit control.

EU Border Crackdown: Eurostat says EU/Schengen refusals hit 132,600 in 2025 (+7%), with thousands of US, UK and Indian nationals also found illegally present—Poland leads refusals. Taliban Mining Squeeze: In Badakhshan’s Darwaz, Taliban “permit trade” is tightening control of gold mines, with shutdowns and permit demands amid extortion claims. Afghan Family Law Backlash: Rights groups demand repeal of a Taliban regulation on spousal separation, warning it enables child marriage and treats a young woman’s silence as consent. Hajj Health Push: WHO urges Afghan pilgrims to follow health guidance and keep valid vaccine certificates as Hajj approaches. Eid Dates Set: Afghanistan’s Supreme Court says Dhul Hijjah starts Wednesday, with Eid al-Adha on Wednesday and Day of Arafah Tuesday. Trade Shift: Iran reports Afghan imports up about 850% amid the wider region’s disruption.

Taliban Family Law Backlash: Afghanistan’s new Taliban regulation on marriage and family law is drawing sharp condemnation from rights groups, including claims that a young unmarried woman’s silence after puberty can be treated as consent and that fathers get broad authority over child marriage. Women’s Rights Under Pressure: Activists also warn the rules could further erode safeguards for girls in a country already tightening women’s freedoms. Hunger Crisis Deepens: The World Food Programme says Afghanistan needs $350 million urgently as funding shortfalls and mass returns push millions toward acute malnutrition, with mothers and children turned away from clinics for lack of supplies. Security Worries: Reports of surging disappearances and mutilated bodies across multiple provinces are fueling fear and frustration among families seeking answers. Hajj Health Guidance: WHO urges pilgrims, including Afghans, to follow health advisories and keep valid vaccine certificates ahead of Hajj 2026.

Taliban Family-Law Backlash: Rights groups are demanding the repeal of a new Taliban regulation on marriage and family law, saying it effectively legalizes child marriage and allows a girl’s silence after puberty to be treated as consent—sparking fresh alarm over girls’ legal agency and forced unions. Women’s Public Life: A women-led “Eid Bazaar” exhibition has opened in Herat, giving hundreds of women entrepreneurs a rare platform to sell crafts and domestic products ahead of Eid. Humanitarian Pressure: The World Food Programme says Afghanistan needs $350 million urgently, warning that funding shortfalls and mass returns are pushing millions toward hunger and acute malnutrition, with mothers and children turning away from clinics for lack of supplies. Sports & Travel: Afghanistan’s national taekwondo team is preparing to travel to Mongolia for the Asian Championships, seeking qualification spots for the Asian Games. EU Deportation Talks: The European Commission has confirmed it will invite Taliban representatives to Brussels for technical talks on deportations, drawing criticism from rights groups over safety and conditions.

Humanitarian Alarm: The UN’s World Food Programme says it urgently needs $350 million to keep lifesaving food and nutrition support running in Afghanistan, warning that funding gaps plus mass returns are pushing millions toward hunger and acute malnutrition—WFP says nearly five million mothers and children need urgent treatment, and clinics are turning people away for lack of nutritious supplements. Women’s Rights/Collapse: A separate report says Afghanistan’s women’s rights crisis is deepening into a humanitarian collapse as Taliban-era restrictions tighten access to education, work, healthcare, and movement. Media Under Pressure: UNAMA is concerned about the detention of three Afghan journalists in Kabul and urges Taliban authorities to clarify charges and protect freedom of expression. Regional Tensions: Former US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad calls for a political solution between Afghanistan and Pakistan after a deadly bombing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, warning mistrust could spark escalation. Sports: Afghanistan’s taekwondo team is set to compete in Mongolia for Asian Games qualification spots.

EU–Taliban Deportation Talks: The European Commission has invited Taliban representatives to Brussels for technical discussions on returning Afghan migrants, with rights groups warning it could legitimize abuses and worsen conditions for women and girls. Humanitarian Alarm: The UN World Food Programme says Afghanistan’s malnutrition crisis is deepening fast—mothers and children are being turned away from clinics because there are no nutritious supplements left. Press Freedom Under Pressure: UNAMA reports concern over the detention of three Afghan journalists in Kabul and urges Taliban authorities to clarify charges and protect media work. Regional Context: Russia’s Kazan halal exhibition is drawing Afghan business participation and a Taliban delegation, showing economic outreach continues even as security and sanctions concerns linger.

Humanitarian Alarm: WFP says Afghanistan’s malnutrition crisis is worsening fast, with mothers and children turned away from clinics because there are no nutritious supplements left. Detention & Press Freedom: UNAMA is urging Taliban authorities to explain and protect three detained Afghan journalists, after reports of assaults and media equipment being seized during Taliban inspections. Taliban Family Law: The Taliban has formally recognized child marriage under new “spouse separation” guidelines, including rules tied to “virgin girls,” tightening legal control over family life. Regional Returns, More Pressure: The crisis is being compounded by large-scale returns from Pakistan and Iran and shrinking humanitarian funding. Economic Outreach: More than 30 Afghan companies joined Russia’s Kazan Halal exhibition, with Taliban officials attending a wider economic forum. Travel/Movement Note: Pakistan says it repatriated 11 nationals and helped return 20 Iranians from Singapore, highlighting ongoing cross-border movement amid wider instability.