Afghans, especially women and recently returned migrants, say rising digital ID card fees are pushing them out of essential services and stripping them of basic rights.
Written by Hamid Mahdi, Translated by Rostam Safdari
Many Afghans, especially women and recently returned migrants, say they cannot afford the high cost of digital identity cards introduced by the Taliban. The situation raises serious concerns about access to basic services and civil rights.
In interviews with Afghanistan Women’s Voice, dozens of Afghans expressed anger over the sharp increase in biometric ID card fees. Many believe the cards have become a lucrative source of revenue for Taliban authorities. The IDs are now essential for everyday tasks such as registering mobile phones and enrolling children in school. Each card costs 500 Afghanis, five times more than the price under the previous government. For families already struggling to make ends meet, this additional expense feels burdensome.
Gul Agha (pseudonym), a shoemaker in Kabul’s Pul-e-Sokhta area, said he tried several times to get IDs for his family before the Taliban came to power, but was discouraged by long queues and lack of time. “Now the price is too high,” he said. “I have not gone. The Taliban are looting people.”
Ahmad, who returned from Iran three months ago after nearly ten years, explained that while he and his wife have paper ID cards, none of his four young children do. He added that he has repeatedly faced difficulties over the past three months because he does not have a digital ID card.
“I went to buy a SIM card, but they refused because I did not have an ID,” he said. “My daughter and son could not enrol in school either. I am unemployed, I cannot pay the rent, and I have no idea how to come up with 3,000 Afghanis for ID cards.”
Women who are the sole providers for their families say they are among the hardest hit. Tahera, a mother of four, said her relatives keep urging her to get ID cards for her children. “They say it will help one day, but I argue that we do not need it now,” she said with tears in her eyes. “The truth is, I simply do not have the money.”
Another woman, who asked to remain anonymous, said her two children have been out of school for three months. “The principal said they cannot attend without ID cards,” she said. “What should I do? Buy food or get ID cards? I cannot afford both.”
She added, “Their father has passed away. I am alone, working in people’s homes to survive. If I had money for IDs, I would spend it on food first. The Taliban charges 500 Afghanis for a piece of paper but does not ask how we are supposed to get that money.”
Afghans say they feel powerless to challenge the rising fees. “Without an ID today, you risk losing all rights tomorrow,” one woman said. “And it is the women and children who suffer the most.”
Staff at a local ID distribution centre said the cost of a digital ID is only about 50 Afghanis. The remaining 450 Afghanis are charged as an extra fee. “Most people come here because they have no choice,” one employee said. “They need the ID to get through the day.”
The Taliban’s statistics office reports that more than 55,000 digital IDs are issued each month. At this rate, the programme could generate nearly 24.75 million Afghanis in monthly revenue for the government.
Under the previous administration, the cost of an ID was 100 Afghanis. The sharp increase has led many to question the Taliban’s intentions. Critics argue that the regime sees citizens as a source of income rather than focusing on public service.
The Taliban regime uses violence to silence dissent, projecting an image of absolute control. The group insists its grip on power is unshakable, confident that no force, internal or external, can slow its advance. For ordinary Afghans, this means living in constant fear, where speaking out can cost not only freedom but life itself.
The rising cost of identity documents adds yet another layer to the humanitarian and human-rights crisis faced by millions across Afghanistan.
Note: Photo is from the Internet
