The Afghan embassy villa is beautifully located down by the water in Stockholm. Ambassador Abbas Noyan lives and works there since 2019.
But he is on borrowed time. He has been informed by Sweden’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs that his residence permit will not be extended.
– Until December 31, I will remain here as ambassador, then I have to leave, he tells TV4.
Network of diplomatic rebels
Abbas Noyan was appointed by the previous government of Afghanistan, which was forced to flee when the Taliban took back control in 2021. When the Taliban took over, he remained in his post, loyal to the old government.
Many ambassadors did the same and together they have become a large network of rebel diplomats. Once a week, all the resistance ambassadors have had digital meetings.
– We have discussed the development in Afghanistan, but also how we should act in different situations, says Abbas Noyan.
This summer, the Taliban regime got tired of all diplomats around the world who did not obey their infamous ideology.
– The Taliban movement is a machine that deals with murder and torture. I don’t intend to be even a small part of that machine, says Abbas Noyan.
Withdrawn the appointments of the ambassadors
The Taliban conveyed to a large number of host countries that the ambassadors’ appointments were over, including Sweden. The designated ambassadors held their breath waiting for what the various foreign ministries would decide. Should they ignore or listen to the Taliban?
During the autumn, Norway and Great Britain closed their embassies completely. Other countries such as France and Italy have failed to act. Sweden has chosen to keep the embassy open, but not to extend the ambassador’s residence permit.
The embassy remains open
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs only wants to respond via e-mail:
“Afghanistan’s embassy in Stockholm remains open. Foreign diplomats have a time-limited stationing in Sweden, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs grants a residence permit during the stationing period. The Afghan ambassador’s residence permit expires at the end of the year.”
For many with an Afghan background, it is a relief that they can still visit the consular office and get help with documents that, for example, the Swedish Migration Agency needs. But many are worried that the ambassador is a first step to closing completely.
Uncertain future
– It would be very difficult to arrange all the papers, then we would have to go to an embassy in another country, says Ali, who is at the consular department in Kista to get his passport extended.
For Ambassador Abbas Noyan, the future is uncertain. He cannot return to Afghanistan but must seek asylum somewhere.
– I have always criticized the Taliban and will never be able to go back there. I don’t know what will happen after the turn of the year, he says.