The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has declared the consular services of Afghan missions in 14 Western countries to be invalid.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman said in a statement that the suspension of services at these missions was effective July 30,2024.
The countries concerned are the United States, United Kingdom, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, France, Italy, Greece, Poland, Sweden, Norway, Canada, Australia, and two in Germany, in the cities of Bonn and Berlin.
The statement cited corruption, lack of transparency and non-coordination with the ministry as reasons for the closure.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said this affects the issuance of deeds, endorsements, NOCs, passports, passport extensions and visas, among others.
The ministry said all passport extensions issued after the announcement will be invalid. However, visas issued prior to the announcement, which have been used to travel to Afghanistan or a third country and have entry/exit stamps prior to July 30, are deemed valid.
In addition, visas issued after July 30 are also invalid.
Travelers with visas issued by the missions in the 14 affected countries and who are currently in Afghanistan may remain in the country for the duration of their visa.
However, once they have left the country, they will not be able to return to Afghanistan on the same visa.
