Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – Afghanistan finds itself in the midst of a passport application surge as citizens desperately seek refuge from the tightening grip of Taliban rule. The capital city, Kabul, has become a scene of chaos, witnessing an estimated 30,000 people flooding its central passport office.
The catalyst for this surge is a recent shift in passport application procedures, transitioning from an online registration system to a paper-based process. The abrupt change has left citizens grappling with new requirements, prompting extreme measures such as overnight stays outside the passport office in a bid to navigate the altered landscape.
Tensions have escalated, necessitating the intervention of Taliban soldiers to manage the overwhelming crowds. The encounters have, at times, resulted in the use of force, highlighting the severity of the situation. Despite authorities distributing hundreds of thousands of passports, the persistent demand underscores the growing desperation among Afghans to escape the challenging circumstances imposed by the Taliban.
Multiple factors contribute to the heightened demand, including economic challenges, a surge in unemployment, and stringent Taliban restrictions on women’s education and employment. The oppressive atmosphere and a prevailing sense of despair are compelling Afghans to seek better opportunities and a more promising future beyond their borders.
The struggle to obtain a passport under Taliban rule is fraught with challenges, including corruption and exorbitant costs. However, a palpable desire among the youth to break free persists. The restrictive lifestyle enforced by the Taliban, particularly impacting the younger generation, has fueled a yearning for a life with more opportunities and freedom.
Amidst these hardships, the successful migration of some individuals since August 2021 serves as a glimmer of hope. This success story inspires many Afghans to endure the difficulties in pursuit of a better life and the chance to escape the confines of the Taliban’s rule.
As the nation grapples with this passport crisis, the world watches closely, recognizing the profound implications of this mass exodus on Afghanistan’s social fabric and its people’s quest for freedom.
