Afghanistan Peace Campaign
Over 100,000 Afghans now reside in France, benefiting from protective asylum policies amid rising migration since the Taliban takeover.
In an interview with InfoMigrants on June 12, Leschi noted that Afghans have consistently ranked among the top ten nationalities holding long-term residency in France over the past decade. Their presence has grown steadily, particularly after the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021.
According to Leschi, Afghan refugees in France benefit from a relatively protective asylum system. He explained that while most Afghan asylum seekers are low-educated young men, a significant proportion of Afghan women arriving in France possess higher education, indicating a diverse demographic profile within the community.
He further added that in 2014, only 472 asylum applications were submitted by Afghans, but this number surged to over 17,500 in 2023, illustrating a dramatic rise in migration in the wake of Afghanistan’s political and humanitarian crisis.
While France offers a structured asylum and integration framework, the sharp rise in Afghan migration presents logistical and social integration challenges, especially for low-skilled individuals. Meanwhile, Afghan women, many of whom arrive with academic and professional qualifications, may face fewer obstacles in adapting.
As France continues to manage this demographic shift, the government is expected to balance humanitarian obligations with integration policies, ensuring safety and opportunity for Afghans, while maintaining social cohesion.