Taliban Boosts Economy with Skilled Worker Export Initiative to Qatar

The Taliban have initiated a program to export skilled labor to Qatar, intending to alleviate the unemployment crisis in Afghanistan. This week, registration opened for 2,000 Afghan workers specializing in fields such as hospitality, food and beverage, and engineering.

This move comes as Afghanistan faces severe economic and humanitarian challenges due to the forced return of over a million Afghans from Iran and Pakistan. To address growing pressures on local services, the Taliban is also engaging in talks with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Turkey, and Russia to expand labor opportunities for Afghan workers.

Acting Labour Minister Abdul Manan Omari emphasized the significance of this program, highlighting its foundation in legal migration and worker rights protection. Despite the Taliban not receiving widespread international recognition, initiatives like this could provide critical economic support through remittances, amidst serious aid cuts and declining humanitarian assistance.

(With inputs from agencies.)