18 Kabul government in the eyes of Western citizens, thereby affecting prospects for aid and development assistance.1 However, a narrative of patriotism and state-building, and the concept of a strong state and strong leadership are not sufficient to address the immediate needs of Afghan citizens such as security, employment and better living prospects. In light of what explained above, the strategic objective Figure 5 Deportee’s View of Government’s Readmission Actions of the Afghan government is the reduction, containment and prevention of population flight. On the other hand, this is also very much in line with what European member states aim to achieve. The following could be discerned as action points of the government by looking at its behaviour and positioning on refugee issues and migratory movements: Media campaign to mischaracterise all Afghan refugees as economic migrants Both President Ashraf Ghani and his predecessor, Hamid Karzai, have been explicit on Afghan refugees in Europe. They have characterized them as economic migrants and have referred to high admission rates as an important pull factor, prompting Afghans to leave. Large-scale rejection of refugee status application, according to this narrative which is also echoed in Europe, will neutralise this pull factor. Such presidential statements may affect policy-makers and asylum bodies making determinations on Afghan asylum seekers. Misrepresenting the security situation The Afghan government in general seeks to show that it is in control of its territory, that it exercises authority over its people and has the capacity and the capability to provide security and safety for its citizens. Such representation, however, is challenged by independent assessments and by the daily security and safety problems that Afghan people encounter. Talents and opportunities The government seeks to show that it creates opportunities for its citizens. According to the government’s narrative, there are opportunities in the country and Afghan talents should return to avail themselves of these opportunities and serve their country. The harsh reality on the ground, however, profoundly contradicts such image creation. The poverty and unemployment rate are above 50% and the government is almost the sole employer, characterized by intense political, factional and ethnic infight1. Interview with a society activist, Mazar, August 2018