“The situation in Afghanistan continues to be tense. After the end of the US evacuation mission on 31 August, safe evacuation of people may no longer be possible, which is why all countries must take urgent action,” said Prime Minister Kaja Kallas.
“The people that Estonia is able to accept include, for example, midwifery training instructors who have worked for Mondo MTÜ and activists for girls’ education and women’s rights. We will focus on helping those who have been involved in Estonia’s assistance programmes in Afghanistan and thus offered better opportunities for development for Afghan women and the youth,” the prime minister added.
Today, the government decided on the maximum number of people to be accepted, which will have to be approved by the European Union Affairs committee of the Riigikogu. This number includes people and their immediate family members whom Estonia is able to accept. The decision on specific persons who are accepted to Estonia on the basis of the Act on Granting International Protection to Aliens is made by the Police and Border Guard Board, who carries out a background check of the applicant for protection and conducts personal interviews with them. The procedure for granting international protection will be carried out as soon as possible.
There are currently no known Estonians in Afghanistan. Several people with Estonian residence permits who need assistance with returning to Estonia have contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working with our allies to allow them to board evacuation flights.
