More than 17,500 Afghan evacuees hosted by UAE resettled

The UAE has hosted 17,619 Afghan evacuees since the Taliban ousted the US-backed government in 2021, providing them with critical care and facilities at the Emirates Humanitarian City prior to their resettlement in 21 countries. 

The evacuees were provided with high-quality accommodation and services such as healthcare, shelter, food, logistical support and diplomatic facilitation, with the total cost amounting to AED1.384 billion ($367 million), national news agency WAM reported. 

Seventeen embassy offices and representatives from several international organisations, including the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), were stationed at the Emirates Humanitarian City to facilitate the resettlement.

Financial assistance was also extended to help families rebuild their lives upon resettlement.

In addition, the UAE facilitated the evacuation of more than 41,000 people from Afghanistan, including Afghans and foreign residents. 

Over 254,000 medical services were delivered, including 34,923 COVID-19 vaccinations. More than 303 newborns received care and over 303 surgeries were successfully performed - with three critical cases treated abroad. Education and vocational development were also prioritised. Over 3,764 Afghans benefitted from educational programmes, including around 800 children enrolled in nurseries and schools. The UAE also organised 39 educational and skills development courses, aiding 2,589 individuals in preparing for their futures.

The City also set up outdoor courtyards, recreational spaces and dedicated facilities for women, children and the elderly, alongside a preventive healthcare centre. 

As one of the top donor countries to Afghanistan, the UAE has provided AED 740 million in humanitarian aid over the past three years. This includes an air bridge delivering hundreds of tonnes of food and relief supplies, benefiting over one million Afghans.

The UAE also established 10 maternity and women’s healthcare centres across seven provinces and provided crucial medical support during the pandemic.