Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – Thousands of Afghans are lining up at job centers across the country after the Taliban government struck a deal with Qatar to recruit 3,100 Afghan workers, offering a rare lifeline amid widespread poverty and unemployment. Since applications opened Tuesday, more than 8,500 people have registered in Kabul and nearby provinces, with nationwide numbers expected to exceed 15,500.
The positions—ranging from drivers and cleaners to electricians and cooks—have sparked intense competition. In Kandahar, over 1,000 applicants are vying for just 375 slots, while in Herat, around 2,000 people lined up in a single day.
Nearly half of Afghanistan’s 48 million people live below the poverty line, and over a quarter of young people are unemployed, according to the World Bank. Decades of conflict, economic collapse, and mass deportations from Iran and Pakistan have deepened the crisis, forcing many to seek work abroad.
Qatar, one of the few countries maintaining diplomatic ties with the Taliban, has not yet disclosed details on housing or working conditions for Afghan recruits. While Qatar has made reforms to improve labor rights following criticism during the 2022 World Cup, concerns remain. Still, many Afghans see this as their only chance to earn a living, as domestic opportunities remain scarce.
Talks are also underway with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Turkey, and Russia for similar labor agreements, according to Afghan officials, who say the program could help ease the country’s economic distress.
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