Australia Leaves Afghans Who Guarded Its Embassy At Taliban's Mercy, Denies Them Visas

Life has turned on its head for the people of Afghanistan since last week and many are still living in fear of the Taliban, which is in control of the country.

Among those who are at immediate risk are Afghans who the Taliban could view as enemies for siding with the invaders.

These include interpreters, contractors and even people who guarded their embassies.

AFP

Though several NATO countries have promised to support and repatriate Afghans who worked for them, a large section of them are still waiting to hear from these countries.

But some 100 former security guards who worked at the Australian embassy in Kabul were told that that they will not be allowed to apply for special refugee visas reserved for former staff.

AP

According to SBS, the former staff members were sent letters informing that their applications have been rejected.

However, no reason is given for the certification rejection but was encouraged to consider the humanitarian visa stream, of which Australia is offering 3000 places.

This has left the former guards, including some who worked there till the last day in tears. Some of them have gone into hiding, in fear of the Taliban.

¡°I already feel disappointed because I am like a prisoner at home - I can¡¯t get out. Everyday there is news that the Taliban will begin searching house by house ... for those who served with the military and those who worked with foreign forces,¡± one of them told SBS News.

AFP

The Australian government has so far evacuated more than 550 people from Kabul since Aug. 18, including Australians and Afghan visa holders.

The first flight to bring evacuees from Kabul to Australia landed in Perth on Friday night, bringing Australians, Afghan visa holders and family members, including women and children, Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne said.

The United States has evacuated more than 18,000 people since July and approximately 13,000 since the airlifts began on Saturday.

AFP

This includes Americans and US partners such as translators and interpreters.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that another 1,000 people will be soon brought to the UK from Afghanistan under the Afghanistan Resettlement and Assistance Programme (ARAP).