The largest Swedish aid actor in Afghanistan, SAK, was forced to stop parts of its operations in the summer of 2023 after the Taliban regime gave orders that “Sweden’s activities” in the country should cease. The Taliban regime’s ban was issued in protest against the wave of Koran burnings in Sweden.
In March 2024, SAK stopped the remaining part of its operations in the country, among other things with regard to the safety of the staff, and the organization has since tried to find successors who can take over the work.
Now SAK is forced to dismiss all 1,400 remaining employees in Afghanistan, reports Global Bar Magazine. The information is confirmed by SAK’s press secretary Cajsa Wikström.
Contract is not extended
On July 31, the contracts for the 1,400 local employees expired. Those affected who are now allowed to quit include administrative staff and people who work with the rehabilitation of people with disabilities.
Since March, the healthcare operations have been taken over by another organization and SAK says it still hopes to find partners who can take over the other operations.
In Afghanistan since the 80s
SAK began conducting its aid work in Afghanistan in 1982, among other things with efforts in healthcare and education.
In 2018, Swedish aid to Afghanistan amounted to SEK 1.3 billion, and the country was then one of Sweden’s largest recipient countries.
The organizations Hand in Hand and Rädda Barnen also have operations in Afghanistan, but according to Global Bar Magazine, should not have been affected by the Taliban’s ban.