Kabul, Feb 6 — The United Arab Emirates has released 108 Afghan nationals from its detention facilities to mark UAE National Day, Afghan officials said. The move followed special directives from Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and continued diplomatic engagement by the Afghan embassy in the UAE, Tolo News reported via ANI.
Authorities said a portion of the released detainees have already returned to Afghanistan, and arrangements are underway to repatriate the remainder once necessary legal steps are completed. The Foreign Ministry expressed gratitude to the UAE government and relevant authorities for their cooperation and said tracing and securing the release of Afghans detained abroad remains a priority.
Migrant rights campaigners welcomed the decision. Sayed Abdul Basit Ansari called the return and family reunification of the 108 freed prisoners welcome news that alleviates concern and raises hopes for further releases elsewhere. Activist Ali Reza Karimi described the action as a humanitarian gesture that highlights how sustained diplomacy can help citizens overseas.
Political analyst Sayed Gharibullah Sadat urged the formation of a joint coordination committee involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation to manage repatriations in a more systematic way. With many Afghans working abroad amid ongoing economic hardship, officials and advocates say the releases provide a fresh start for those freed and relief for their families.
