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Caught between wars: 1,100 Afghan allies trapped at Qatar camp await safe exit
More than 1,100 Afghan allies evacuated to Camp As Sayliyah in Doha remain in limbo after the 2021 US withdrawal. Refugee and Afghan immigration policies paused in 2025, with a DR Congo resettlement plan floated and later rejected in 2026 as tensions rose with regional attacks, heightening residents' fears.
Why It Matters
The case underscores ongoing uncertainties for Afghan allies who aided US forces and how shifting refugee policies may affect their futures and international resettlement options.
Timeline
8 Events
April 22, 2026: Open letter rejects DR Congo resettlement plan
April 22, 2026
AfghanEvac and CAS residents rejected the proposed resettlement of camp inhabitants to the Democratic Republic of Congo in an open letter shared on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
April 2026: Debris nearly lands in CAS during attacks
April 2026
In April 2026, during Iranian attacks, debris nearly landed inside Camp As Sayliyah and struck a neighbor’s room as residents described the fear and disruption from the attacks.
March 2026: Iranian attacks raise fears near Doha
March 2026
During Iranian attacks on Gulf neighbours, missiles streaked across Doha and explosions were heard, raising fears among Afghan residents at Camp As Sayliyah.
February 2026: Cash to return offered
February 2026
The State Department confirmed in February 2026 that cash was offered to Camp As Sayliyah inhabitants to return to Afghanistan, with roughly 150 individuals accepting the payments.
November 2025: Afghan immigration cases suspended
November 2025
The United States suspended all Afghan immigration cases in November 2025.
January 2025: Refugee admissions paused
January 2025
US President Donald Trump paused refugee admissions in January 2025.
January 2025: Arrival at Camp As Sayliyah
January 2025
Shabnam, a former interpreter for US forces in Afghanistan, arrived at Camp As Sayliyah in January 2025. The camp houses about 1,100 Afghan allies and their families awaiting processing for resettlement in the United States.
2021: US withdrawal and CAS origin
2021
The United States withdrew its forces from Afghanistan in 2021, after which Camp As Sayliyah in Doha began serving as a holding site for Afghan allies evacuated due to their ties to US forces.