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U.S. Offers Controversial Payments for Afghan Repatriation

2/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The U.S. State Department offers payments to Afghans for repatriation as it plans to close a camp in Qatar by the end of March.
The payments are $4,500 for main applicant and $1,200 per additional person, and 150 individuals have accepted them, per Assistant Secretary of State S. Paul Kapur.
Critics, including Democrats, say the repatriation is not voluntary and staff pressure Afghans to accept it, risking those who return.

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Story summary

The U.S. State Department offers payments to Afghans for repatriation as it plans to close a camp in Qatar by the end of March.
The payments are $4,500 for main applicant and $1,200 per additional person, and 150 individuals have accepted them, per Assistant Secretary of State S. Paul Kapur.
Critics, including Democrats, say the repatriation is not voluntary and staff pressure Afghans to accept it, risking those who return.