Afghan black market for visas thrives as embassies stay shut

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The Taliban’s takeover of the capital in August forced thousands of Afghans to flee the strife-torn nation but many remain and are willing to pay exorbitant sums to buy a visa. The new government restarted issuing passports in October.

Significant numbers of Afghans are being targeted for their past association with the government or coalition forces. Over 125,000 people have either been evacuated or have fled. Media professionals and women, including their families, are particularly motivated to leave as they can no longer work or study safely.

Among them is 31-year-old Nissar Saeed, who worked as an informal consultant for foreign entities and taxi driver in Kabul before the fall of the former government.