Afghanistan is facing a significant unemployment crisis, with around 1.5 million workers currently without jobs. To address this, the government is working on agreements with countries like Qatar, the UAE, and Russia to send Afghan workers abroad. These efforts aim to create new job opportunities for skilled Afghan workers and ease the unemployment burden.
Efforts to Reduce Unemployment
Abdul Mateen Maulawizada, head of Afghanistan’s National Workers’ Union, emphasized the growing unemployment issue in the country. He stated that about 1.5 million workers are currently jobless. In response, the government is collaborating with several countries to create opportunities for Afghan workers abroad.
Maulawizada highlighted that negotiations are nearly complete with countries like Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Russia. Under these agreements, skilled Afghan workers are expected to be sent to these nations, where their skills will be matched with job requirements. The process will be officially structured, with work visas being issued to workers, enabling them to travel legally and avoid the harsh conditions they currently face when seeking work abroad.
International Collaborations and Work Visa Plans
The National Workers’ Union, together with Afghanistan’s Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and the International Labor Organization (ILO), is focused on increasing Afghan workers’ participation in the private sector. As part of this effort, they are working to facilitate the issuance of work visas to make foreign employment safer and more organized.
“A program will be developed based on the needs of countries requiring workers. Workers’ skills will be assessed, and they will be sent accordingly,” said Maulawizada. This approach is aimed at ensuring Afghan workers are employed in areas where their skills are in demand, benefiting both Afghan workers and the countries they will work in.
Challenges Faced by Afghan Workers
While these international agreements are being finalized, many Afghan workers still face significant challenges. Mohammad Jan, a worker from Ghazni, shared his struggles, stating that he and other workers have been waiting for job opportunities on the roadside for months. “Around 200 workers gather here daily, but there is no work, and they barely earn 100 afghani per day,” Jan explained.
Noroz Ali, another worker from Ghazni, echoed similar concerns. He noted that there are few active projects or institutions offering jobs, and the limited agricultural work available provides very low income. “There are no sustainable opportunities that could improve people’s livelihoods,” Ali said.
The Role of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs
In addition to facilitating foreign employment, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs is actively working to address the unemployment situation. They have announced that countries like Qatar are providing legal pathways for Afghan workers, which will allow them to travel legally and avoid the dangerous and uncertain conditions they currently face.
The Ministry also reported that over 114,000 work permits were issued last year to both Afghan citizens and foreigners. This indicates that efforts to support Afghan workers abroad are gaining momentum and may soon provide more opportunities for those in need of employment.
The Need for Domestic Solutions
Despite the efforts to send Afghan workers abroad, many individuals are calling for more job opportunities within Afghanistan. The caretaker government has been urged to focus on creating local employment opportunities to reduce the dependency on foreign job markets. Many workers argue that more investment in infrastructure and local projects is necessary to create sustainable and well-paying jobs within the country.
Looking Ahead
The plan to send Afghan workers abroad is a step in the right direction, providing relief for many facing unemployment. However, experts agree that a comprehensive strategy addressing both international and domestic employment needs is crucial for long-term economic stability. As the negotiations with foreign countries continue, it is clear that Afghan workers are eager to find new opportunities—both abroad and at home.
