Kabul [Afghanistan], February 6 : The United Arab Emirates has released more than 100 Afghan citizens from its prisons to mark its National Day, following special directives from Afghanistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and persistent diplomatic efforts by the Islamic Emirate's embassy in the UAE, as reported by Tolo News.
According to official details, some of the freed individuals have already returned home to Afghanistan, while arrangements for the remaining ones are underway and expected to conclude soon after the necessary legal formalities are completed.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude to the UAE government and its relevant authorities for their cooperation, stressing that monitoring and securing the release of Afghan detainees abroad remains a key priority for the ministry.
Migrant rights activist Sayed Abdul Basit Ansari welcomed the development, stating, "The release of 108 Afghan prisoners from UAE prisons is welcome news. Their return to Afghanistan and reunification with their families is an effective step toward reducing concerns. This action increases hope for further efforts to secure the release of Afghan prisoners in other countries."
Such humanitarian gestures are seen by activists as vital in alleviating hardships faced by Afghan migrant families and underscoring the value of proactive diplomacy in supporting nationals overseas.
Another migrant rights activist, Ali Reza Karimi, described the move as meaningful, saying, "The release of 108 Afghan prisoners from UAE prisons is a humanitarian action that has a significant impact on reducing families' concerns and shows that active diplomacy can play an effective role in supporting citizens outside the country."
As reported by Tolo News, political analyst Sayed Gharibullah Sadat proposed establishing a joint coordination committee involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation to handle these matters more systematically and create a lasting framework for repatriating Afghan citizens from various nations.
With large numbers of Afghans having migrated abroad in recent years due to economic hardships in pursuit of employment and better livelihoods, this release offers not only a fresh start for those affected but also brings considerable relief and optimism to their families back home.