An Afghan journalist living in Clare is calling on the Irish Government to speed up the family reunification process for asylum seekers, to save the lives of families in Afghanistan in imminent danger.
72 Afghans are among the 85 fatalities in a terror attack at Kabul Airport yesterday, with at least 143 others injured in the explosions.
Thousands of people in Afghanistan are still trying to try to flee Taliban-control, as evacuation efforts continue ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs has described yesterday as a ‘tragic and challenging’ day in Afghanistan.
85 people were killed in bomb attacks at Kabul airport and dozens were injured.
15 Irish people got out on the first flight, following the terror attacks, while the government is working to remove an additional 75 Irish citizens, residents and family members from the country.
Minister Simon Coveney says the government is also attempting to reunite Afghans living here with 150 people, under family re-unification visas.
But the Clare Immigrant Support Centre says there’s an urgent need to widen the criteria for family reunification, so that more people can come here.
Coordinator Orla Ní Éili is also calling for applications from Afghans living in Ireland, which remain unprocessed, to be expedited so those people can move ahead with efforts to bring their family here with them.
An Afghan journalist living in Clare says he’s sorry for people in his home country who’s futures are now uncertain.
Sayed Farid Sanai who’s living in Direct Provision in Ennis says family and friends who want to get out don’t know what tomorrow will bring and have nowhere to turn for help.
He believes speeding up family reunification could save the lives of asylum seekers’ families who are facing a very real threat.
