Thu, 05 May, 2016 12:02:22 AM FTimes Report, May 5  First batch of asylum seekers left Helsinki for Iraq. File Photo – Lehtikuva. Finland and Afghanistan have reached an understanding that both the countries will enhance cooperation in making the arrangements for the Afghan asylum seekers to return to their country voluntarily.
A delegation of Finnish officials led by Ministry of the Interior Permanent Secretary Päivi Nerg negotiated the return of Afghan asylum seekers with the Afghanistan authorities early this week in Kabul, said an official press release.
The purpose of the Finnish delegation is to sign a memorandum of understanding with Afghanistan concerning voluntary return of Afghan asylum seekers and return of those whose asylum applications have been rejected.
The Afghan representatives said Afghanistan remains committed to fulfilling its obligations under the Partnership Agreement concluded between Finland and Afghanistan in 2013.
This agreement provides that the two countries will engage in close cooperation aimed at preventing illegal immigration and facilitating return of persons illegally present in the other country’s territory.
The Afghan government will soon discuss the memorandum of understanding. It will continue the negotiations with Finland bilaterally as well as with the European Union.
It was highlighted during the discussions that, because of the difficult economic and security situation in the country, Afghan authorities want young people to come back and help with reconstruction.
In 2015, Afghans lodged the second highest number of 5,214 asylum applications in Finland. This year, they have been the largest nationality with 522 applications lodged until April 19.
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