In a controversial move, the Dutch government has reversed a previous decision to grant asylum to 200 Afghan security guards who were employed at the Dutch embassy in Kabul when the Taliban seized the city in August 2021. These guards, although initially denied asylum because they were contracted by external agencies rather than directly by the Dutch government, were later promised protection by the former cabinet. This decision has now been overturned, sparking significant backlash.

On Friday, three key ministers—foreign affairs minister Caspar Veldkamp, defense minister Ruben Brekelmans, and asylum minister Marjolein Faber—issued a letter to the Dutch parliament explaining their decision. The ministers stated that they had made a “different assessment” of the situation, leading to the cancellation of the asylum granted to these individuals and their families. No further details were provided about the reasons behind the reassessment, leaving many questioning the government’s judgment.

The move has drawn severe criticism from opposition parties. GroenLinks-PvdA foreign affairs spokeswoman Kari Piri called the decision “heartless and enraging,” reflecting the general sentiment that this reversal is unjust given the circumstances of the guards’ employment and their potential danger under Taliban rule. Jan Paternotte, an MP from the D66 party, went a step further, labeling the decision “beyond shameful” and calling on parliament to intervene and rectify the situation.

These guards had played a crucial role in ensuring the security of the Dutch embassy in Kabul during a volatile period, and many view the government’s sudden change in policy as a betrayal of individuals who had risked their lives for Dutch interests. Critics argue that the guards should be afforded the same protection as other embassy staff, regardless of the technicality of their employment contracts.

The decision has also raised questions about the broader treatment of Afghan refugees and those left behind following the Taliban’s takeover. This latest development adds to a series of concerns about how the Dutch government and other Western nations are handling the aftermath of their withdrawal from Afghanistan.

As the controversy continues to unfold, opposition parties are expected to push for a debate in parliament to reconsider the government’s decision. For the 200 Afghan guards and their families, the future remains uncertain as they await further clarity on their fate.