Full Breakdown
U.S. Offers Payments to Afghans Stranded in Qatar Amid Controversy
2/12/2026, 12:02:56 PM
U.S. State Department's Repatriation Initiative
The U.S. State Department has initiated a program to pay Afghans stranded at Camp As Sayliyah (CAS) in Qatar to facilitate their repatriation to Afghanistan. This decision comes as the U.S. plans to close the facility by the end of March 2026. More than 1,100 individuals, including civilian refugees, women who served as special operators for the U.S. military, and family members of U.S. servicemembers, have been held at the camp since at least early 2025. The previous administration under President Donald Trump halted resettlement for these Afghans due to fears of retribution from the Taliban.
Payment Details and Acceptance
The State Department's Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia, S. Paul Kapur, indicated that approximately 150 individuals have accepted the offered payments, which amount to $4,500 for the main applicant and $1,200 for each additional person relocating. However, critics argue that the repatriation is not genuinely voluntary, with reports suggesting that staff at the facility are pressuring Afghans to accept the payments, while the prospects for third-country relocation remain uncertain.
Criticism from Lawmakers and Advocates
Democratic lawmakers have expressed strong opposition to the repatriation plan, labeling it a "betrayal of our Afghan allies." Sydney Kamlager-Dove, the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs subcommittee, criticized the initiative during a hearing on February 11, 2026. Advocacy groups, including #AfghanEvac, have echoed these sentiments, arguing that the U.S. is abandoning those who risked their lives to support American efforts in Afghanistan.
Official Statements and Responses
In response to the backlash, Assistant Secretary Kapur emphasized that the U.S. is not forcibly repatriating Afghans, stating, "Some have gone of their own volition, but we’re not forcing anybody." However, the lack of clarity regarding the fate of those who accept the payments has raised further concerns among advocates and lawmakers.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
There is a notable lack of transparency regarding the details of the payments and the conditions under which Afghans are being encouraged to return. The State Department has not provided additional information on the repatriation process or the status of those who have already returned to Afghanistan.
Conclusion
The U.S. government's decision to offer financial incentives for the repatriation of Afghans stranded in Qatar has sparked significant controversy. While officials maintain that the program is voluntary, critics argue that it undermines the commitment to protect those who supported U.S. operations in Afghanistan. As the closure of Camp As Sayliyah approaches, the implications of this policy remain a contentious topic among lawmakers, advocates, and the Afghan community.
