Afghan PM Announces General Amnesty for Citizens Who Fled During Regime Change

KABUL – Afghanistan’s acting Prime Minister, Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, has declared a general amnesty for Afghans who left the country during the regime change in August 2021.

In an address delivered on the occasion of Eid, the Taliban-appointed prime minister urged Afghan nationals to return to their homeland, particularly those who have found closed doors in the United States and other Western countries.

“Those Afghans who harmed the Islamic system by working for American interests are also welcome to return. They will not face any mistreatment or difficulties,” Mullah Akhund assured during his speech.

Following the U.S. military withdrawal and the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in August 2021, thousands of Afghans—especially those who had worked with U.S. forces, international organizations, or Western governments—fled the country fearing retribution.

While the Taliban have previously issued similar amnesty announcements, many human rights organizations remain skeptical, citing incidents of retaliation, arrests, and restrictions under the group’s rule. It remains to be seen how this latest offer of safe return will be received by the Afghan diaspora.