Afghans’ Money goes to Pakistan

Thursday, 03 May 2007
By Shahid Ali KhanSaudi Gazette
THE long-pending issue of around 170,000 Afghan nationals living in Saudi Arabia on Pakistani passports could be solved through trilateral talks between labor ministers of the respective countries, said Dr. Rangin Dadfar Spanta, Foreign Minister of Afghanistan. Spanta, who is currently on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, discussed this issue with Saudi leaders.
The problem dates back to 1970s when getting a passport from Afghanistan was almost impossible, he said.
This prompted Afghans, many of whom had already migrated to Pakistan as refugees, to apply and get a Pakistani passport for traveling to Saudi Arabia.
Afghanistan is concerned because it is losing millions in foreign exchange since remittances by Afghan workers are going to Pakistan.
The exchequer of a third country is benefiting from the remittances of Afghan workers, he said, referring to Pakistan.
"Now the status of Afghan nationals holding Pakistani passports has to be changed," he said, adding that the process would be initiated after the request comes from the people living in Saudi Arabia. [Read more]