Talks with Democratic Republic of Congo highlight ongoing limbo for Afghans stranded in Qatar after visa system stalled.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The Trump administration is engaged in discussions to relocate approximately 1,100 Afghan nationals to the Democratic Republic of Congo as they remain stranded in Qatar awaiting U.S. visa processing, according to accounts from advocacy officials familiar with the situation.
The group has been housed at Camp As Sayliyah, a former U.S. military installation in Qatar, where they were transferred to complete immigration procedures for entry into the United States. Many of those awaiting processing include individuals who worked with U.S.-funded programs during the two-decade conflict in Afghanistan or are relatives of American citizens.
According to Shawn VanDiver, founder of the advocacy coalition #AfghanEvac, U.S. officials briefed him on the proposal to resettle the group in Congo. He said the plan raises concerns due to security conditions in the central African nation, which has faced prolonged instability and ongoing armed conflict.
The relocation discussions come after visa processing for Afghan nationals effectively stalled following policy changes enacted in early 2025. The administration later placed Afghanistan on a list of countries subject to travel restrictions, with limited exemptions for Special Immigrant Visa applicants who had supported U.S. operations.
In November, processing was halted entirely after an incident involving a former Afghan paramilitary member linked to a U.S.-backed force. Although a federal judge ruled in February that the suspension of Special Immigrant Visa processing was unlawful, advocates say little progress has been made in restarting the system.
#AfghanEvac said in a statement that the 1,100 individuals under consideration have already undergone vetting for resettlement. However, they remain in limbo as officials consider alternative options outside the United States.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State indicated that relocation to a third country could offer an opportunity for the individuals to begin new lives outside Afghanistan, though the department did not confirm specific destinations under consideration.
The effort was first reported by The New York Times, which detailed the potential arrangement with Congolese authorities. Officials in Congo have not publicly commented on the proposal.
VanDiver said concerns extend beyond safety conditions, noting that some individuals may refuse resettlement in Congo. He warned that such refusals could be used to justify returning them to Afghanistan.
“I worry that this is just a way for State to wash their hands of these folks, many of whom are women, children, and family of U.S. military, that will ultimately result in them becoming stateless or having to go back to certain death in Afghanistan,” VanDiver said.
He also stated that the administration had previously explored relocating the group to Botswana, describing that option as more viable. According to VanDiver, those plans were abandoned after Botswana objected to a U.S. policy requiring a $15,000 visa bond for its citizens seeking entry into the United States.
Congo continues to face security challenges, including ongoing conflict involving armed groups in its eastern regions. Advocates say those conditions could influence whether Afghan applicants accept relocation if the plan proceeds.
As discussions continue, the group remains in Qatar awaiting a resolution to their immigration status, with no confirmed timeline for final decisions on resettlement.