In Parliament

On 27 September 2024, the Afghan embassy in the United Kingdom closed, leaving the 280,000-strong Afghan diaspora in the UK, including constituents of mine and families across Scotland, without consular services such as passport facilities, which enable travel.

For the avoidance of doubt, I note that the consular services were provided by a small and committed staff team who remained loyal to the now-toppled democratically elected Government of Afghanistan and who rejected the Taliban completely.

The closure of the embassy will have a detrimental impact on many families who have made their lives and homes in Scotland. 

I asked the First Minister if he will make direct representations to the UK Government to see how it might be able to support the reopening of the embassy and, with it, the restoration of consular services

Reply from the First Minister (John Swinney)

I appreciate the difficulty that Mr Doris puts to me, and I am happy to confirm that we will make representations to the United Kingdom Government on that basis to see what can be achieved. It is a deeply regrettable situation that the Afghan embassy faced closure following the dismissal of staff by the Taliban Government. Individuals should have access to representation by their Government, and they should be supported in ensuring that their needs are met. I give Mr Doris an assurance that we will make those representations to the United Kingdom Government to determine how those issues can be resolved.

As Mr Doris raised with me the issue of the Afghan population in Scotland, I make the point that their contribution to our country is deeply valued and that they are citizens who are welcome here. We want to do everything that we can to ensure that they can contribute to our society and can be well supported in so doing.