Afghanistan is a war-torn country, and until September 2021 was occupied by US and NATO troops. Though once a very flourishing sovereign state, Afghanistan today is undergoing a massive rehabilitation and rebuilding process. Many countries around the world provide shelter and refuge to Afghans as the benefits of peace slowly start to creep into Afghan society.
Spain is one of the countries among the EU countries that received a significant percentage of Afghan refugees. Now that the rehabilitation process is underway, Afghan nationals can visit Spain by acquiring a visa through the Embassy of Spain located in Kabul. To visit Spain a Schengen visa is required, the validity of the visa is 3 months during 6 months period. The country of Entry, in this case, Spain, cannot be changed, but from Spain onwards, the bearer can travel to any country within Schengen.
A Schengen visa is strictly for travel purposes; employment or earning through other means is not permitted under any circumstances. To be able to stay for a longer duration and engage in work, a work permit is needed.
UNHCR guidelines regarding Afghans
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) policy about Afghanistan (post-war scenario) stipulates that the international community must keep their border porous for Afghans. Afghans can seek asylum in Spain too; provided the conditions are met.
The process for obtaining asylum is as follows:
- Coordinate with the Office for Asylum & Refugees (OAR) through the Spanish Embassy in Kabul
- Write a letter to OAR explaining the reason, with proof, why you wish to seek international protection
- The status is returned to the sender in original along with the receipt.
Each asylum case is dealt with on merit while the lack or absence of documents, finances, and other resources are factored into the process.
Long-term visas and work permits
A work permit or a national visa is compulsory for any length of stay beyond the usual 3 months allowed on a visit visa. The national visa allows the bearer to work, study, or live a retired life. The application for a national visa must satisfy the below conditions:
- Financial means to maintain a decent subsistence in Spain
- Proof of residence; owned or rented
- Steady Income
Once these conditions are met, the next stage is the purpose of the visit. If the applicant is visiting merely to establish residence, he/she may apply readily. Whereas if the purpose is to gain employment or set up a business, in that scenario eligibility criteria are different.
For employment, the applicant must secure a job before applying. Secondly, the employer will initiate the process by writing to the immigration and concerned ministry regarding hiring an Afghan, due to his/her skills, education, or whatever other reasons. After the initial go-ahead is provided to the employer, an offer letter will be sent to the applicant which if accepted will further the process of the employment contract.
The employment contract with details regarding duration, salary, benefits, housing, etc. is sent to the incumbent which is then attached with the application and submitted to the embassy. Upon obtaining a work permit and visa, the incumbent can travel to Spain.
Earning opportunities in Spain
Needless to say, Spain has one of the best economies in the world with tons of opportunities for foreigners and locals in terms of employment, entrepreneurship, and business. Afghans here are engaged in labor extensive jobs; ports, masonry, construction, mining, etc. Especially the Afghans who have worked with any foreign agency – such as UN, EU, USAID, Red Cross, or even the Afghan Military under the supervision of NATO – can find a suitable job in Spain, provided they fulfill the essential paperwork.
