IND Explains Rejection of Asylum Applications from Two Afghan Women

In recent weeks, several media outlets have reported on the rejection of asylum applications by two Afghan women by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). This has led to parliamentary questions and public outrage. Due to privacy concerns, the IND is unable to provide details on individual cases, but they are willing to explain their decision in general terms.

The IND understands that the decision raises questions, particularly given the oppression of women by the Taliban. It is clear, therefore, that the IND approves most asylum applications from Afghan women. However, to qualify for a residence permit, Afghan women must meet two criteria: they must demonstrate that they cannot conform to the Taliban’s rules, and they must prove that they are at serious risk due to this inability to conform. The rejection of these two women’s applications is an exception, but the IND can justify its decision.

During their discussions with the IND, the women were unable to convincingly show that the Taliban’s rules hindered their way of life or that they were at risk because of this. As a result, their applications were rejected. In one case, the court has now upheld the IND’s decision. Each asylum application is carefully assessed based on all the facts and circumstances of the applicant, and this process led to a negative decision in the cases of these two women as well.