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AFGHANISTAN

Taliban Ruling Group Welcomes Returning Afghans, Asks Them to Leave Opinions at Customs

Passengers may bring personal effects, but nothing that has affected them personally.

By Gul Afsheen
A traveler with luggage faces an officer at an airport customs counter beside an opinion-declaration board.
The pen is provided; independent answers are not.

At the arrivals desk, returning Afghans are asked to separate their opinions from their personal belongings. Clothes and gifts may proceed. Reservations must remain with the airline.

The declaration form distinguishes between views acquired abroad and views suitable for domestic use. Passengers unsure which they possess can describe the ruling group briefly; the officer will finish the sentence.

A man who ticks ‘nothing to declare’ is congratulated on completing the first stage of reintegration. He asks whether he can collect his opinions on departure. The officer explains that the service is designed to encourage people to stay.

The welcome survey records unanimous satisfaction. Passengers wishing to disagree are directed back to customs: they appear to have missed an item.

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