AfghanEvac says that five years after the withdrawal of U.S. military forces from Afghanistan, approximately 250,000 Afghans who have a history of working with the United States and U.S. forces are still awaiting safe relocation across more than 90 countries.
In a special report published on August 30, the organization said that the departure of the final U.S. aircraft from Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul on August 30, 2021, marked the end of nearly two decades of U.S. military presence in Afghanistan.
According to the report, General Christopher Donahue, commander of U.S. forces, left Afghanistan aboard the final American C-17 aircraft at 11:59 p.m. on August 30, 2021, becoming the last U.S. service member to leave Afghan soil.
AfghanEvac says the issue of relocating Afghans who had worked with U.S. forces did not end with the American withdrawal. According to the organization, more than 200,000 Afghan allies have so far been relocated to places of safety, while approximately 250,000 others remain in more than 90 countries awaiting the completion of their cases and safe relocation.
According to the organization, a system known as “Enduring Welcome” was established through joint efforts by the U.S. government and civil society. Following legal and security screenings, the system facilitated the relocation of more than 200,000 people to places of safety. The program was later suspended following a decision by the U.S. government.
AfghanEvac says that only one Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) has been issued to an Afghan since January 2026, while approximately 178,000 people hold Mission Leadership Endorsements and are still awaiting the completion of their cases.
The organization also said that, according to a bipartisan poll, 84 percent of American voters support fulfilling U.S. commitments to Afghans and their families who worked with U.S. forces. Meanwhile, 80 percent of respondents said that U.S. national security and honoring the country’s commitments are not in conflict with one another.
AfghanEvac has warned that the Al-Sailiya Camp in Qatar is scheduled to close on September 30, but more than 1,000 Afghans are still being held there, including more than 400 children.
Shawn VanDiver, the organization’s president and founder, said their efforts would continue until the commitments made to Afghan allies are fulfilled.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
