In a recent development, the Pakistani government has confirmed that it will impose a fee of $830 on undocumented refugees who wish to exit the country. This new policy specifically targets individuals who entered Pakistan without a valid visa.

The announcement comes after Pakistan declared its intention to deport approximately 1.7 million undocumented foreigners by November 1st. Of these individuals, the majority are Afghan nationals, including hundreds of thousands who sought refuge in Pakistan when the Taliban regained control in 2021.

The exit fee will vary depending on the duration of overstay for those individuals with expired visas. Notably, this fee does not apply to individuals returning to Afghanistan.

However, human rights organizations such as Amnesty International have raised concerns about the difficulties faced by many Afghans in obtaining proper documentation. These delays have left many vulnerable individuals at risk of legal consequences imposed by the Pakistani government.

It is important to note that Pakistan is not a signatory to the Refugee Convention and does not recognize the Afghans residing within its borders as refugees. This stance has drawn criticism from various international bodies, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Speaking to the BBC, a senior diplomat from Pakistan expressed concern about charging individuals who are being relocated on humanitarian grounds. The diplomat highlighted the problematic nature of charging fees to those perceived as having a humanitarian need, especially when Pakistan has historically provided asylum and protection to Afghan refugees.

The Pakistani authorities did not address the possibility of a review of the fee policy when approached by the BBC. Meanwhile, the UNHCR stated that it is working towards resolving the issue and advocating for exemptions for refugees from these requirements. The organization emphasized the commendable history of Pakistan in providing asylum and protection to Afghan refugees over several decades.

In response to the criticism, a spokesperson from Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserted that the imposed fines are consistent with the country's immigration laws, citing examples like the United Kingdom.

The implementation of this exit fee raises concerns about the treatment of vulnerable populations seeking refuge in Pakistan. The situation calls for a careful review of the policy to ensure the protection and well-being of those who are already facing immense hardships due to displacement and fleeing conflict.

As the international community continues to monitor these developments, it remains to be seen whether Pakistan will reconsider its stance and revise the exit fee policy in light of humanitarian concerns.

Disclaimer: This article is generated based on the provided information and does not include any external content or opinions.