DFAT Confirms Afghan Embassy in Canberra Will Close in June 2026

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has confirmed that the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan will close on June 30, 2026.

The decision to close the embassy, which is located in Canberra, comes after Ambassador Wahidullah Waiss was informed that his diplomatic credentials would not be renewed by Australia.

Afghan Embassy to Close in June

According to a report by SBS News, experts have claimed that the decision is due to pressure from the Taliban to close all embassies headed by those who are anti-Taliban.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, however, has been quick to note that the government will not accept a Taliban-appointed representative.

“We do not recognise the Taliban as the legitimate representatives of the Afghan people,” the department said in a statement. “We strongly condemn the Taliban’s persistent systematic abuses of human rights, particularly against women and girls, and voices of dissent.”

“We reaffirm our shared commitment to human rights and the dignity of the people of Afghanistan,” the department added.

What Will the Effect of the Closure Be?

According to VisaHQ, there are around 46,000 Afghanistan-born residents in Australia. There are also thousands in the country who hold temporary visas.

The closure of the embassy means that they will no longer be able to renew their passports. It also means that those affected will no longer be able to obtain notarial services.

They will also have no access routine consular support in the country.