Belgium has started early visa checks on members of a planned delegation linked to the Taliban administration. The move comes after names were sent to the government for review ahead of possible travel to Brussels. Officials say no formal visa application has been filed yet.
The case is now under initial screening by Belgium’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry confirmed that security services are reviewing the identities of the individuals. This is a standard step before any official decision on entry is made.
The delegation is linked to an invitation from the European Commission for technical talks in Brussels. The invitation has raised political debate across Europe due to the sensitive nature of engagement with the Taliban administration.
Belgium’s Foreign Minister, Maxime Prévot, said the country does not normally issue visas to members of the Taliban. He made clear that Belgium’s position on the group has not changed. The government still does not recognize the Taliban as a legitimate state authority.
However, he also said Belgium hosts key international institutions in Brussels. Because of this role, the country must process travel requests that relate to official international meetings. He added that any final decision will depend on a full visa application and completed checks.
A spokesperson from Belgium’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said security reviews are ongoing. The spokesperson stressed that no visa can be issued until all legal steps are completed. This includes background checks and verification of the purpose of travel.
Reports suggest that Abdul Qahar Balkhi, a spokesperson for the Taliban’s foreign ministry, may lead the delegation. The group is expected to take part in technical discussions focused on migration and returns of Afghan nationals from Europe.
The visa review has drawn attention across the European Union. Some officials argue that engagement is necessary for practical reasons. Others warn that such contact may send the wrong political message.
Magnus Brunner, the European Union Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, defended the idea of limited dialogue. He said there is “no option but to engage” when dealing with returns of Afghan refugees whose asylum claims have been rejected.
He also said these contacts are technical in nature. According to him, they do not mean political recognition of the Taliban administration. The focus, he said, is on migration management and return procedures.
The debate comes as migration remains a major issue in Europe. Several EU countries are under pressure to manage asylum systems and deportation processes more efficiently. Afghan cases are among the most complex due to security and legal concerns.
At the same time, around 20 of the 27 EU member states have supported efforts to build clearer return mechanisms for Afghan nationals without legal status. Some of these individuals also have criminal convictions, according to officials involved in the talks.
Supporters of engagement say cooperation is needed to enforce migration rules. They argue that without communication channels, returns become difficult to organize. They also say this creates pressure on national asylum systems.
Critics strongly disagree. Some European politicians say any meeting with Taliban-linked officials risks damaging the EU’s human rights stance. They point to restrictions on women’s rights and civil freedoms under Taliban rule as a key concern.
Human rights groups have also warned that engagement could be seen as softening the EU position. They argue that the situation in Afghanistan remains serious, especially for women and minorities facing strict limitations.
Despite criticism, EU institutions continue to push for technical dialogue. Officials say the goal is not recognition, but practical solutions for migration management. They stress that legal and security checks remain central to any travel approval.
Belgium’s early visa review shows how sensitive international contact with Afghanistan’s rulers remains. Every step is closely watched by both supporters and critics of EU migration policy.
As the process continues, the final decision will depend on completed applications and full security assessments. For now, no travel permission has been granted, and discussions remain in the early stages.
