HOW TO FIND A JOB IN AFGHANISTAN
For decades in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, located in central Asia, there have been wars and large-scale terrorist attacks. Unfortunately, the country with ancient culture and traditions has suffered irreparable human losses, many historical monuments have been destroyed, the economy has become one of the worst in the world, and the population suffers from poverty and social insecurity.
Afghanistan is a landlocked country with a subtropical climate with arid hot summers and cold winters. Currently, the situation in the country is slightly improving, but there is no stability and economic growth. To a large extent, the state is kept afloat by international financial and humanitarian aid. Although, the potential in the country is huge. According to some reports, the deposits of undeveloped mineral deposits in Afghanistan are among the largest in the world.
Despite a number of problems, quite a few applicants are interested in employment in this long-suffering country. Work in Afghanistan for foreigners in 2025 is available in some branches of international organizations, construction industry, media sector, private security structures, diplomatic missions. The main obstacle is personal security. On the other hand, very often the risk to life is compensated by a generous monetary reward.
Next, let's look at the peculiarities of employment, job search options, available vacancies and salaries in Afghanistan for foreigners in 2025.
CONTENTS
Specifics of labor migration to Afghanistan
The population of Afghanistan in 2025 is about 43.4 million people, with a labor force of about 8 million. Due to constant migration, it is very difficult to give an exact figure. Unemployment in the country is around 8-13%. More than a third of Afghans live below the poverty line, have difficulties with education and medical care, access to clean water and electricity. The country has big problems with infrastructure, high level of corruption and crime.
One should not count on labor migration to Afghanistan together with family members. More or less decent health care facilities are located only in the capital, Kabul, and then for treatment of serious diseases you will have to go to another country. The same problem with international schools, the number of such institutions is limited. But the main threat is numerous attacks and kidnappings of foreigners, which happens quite often.
Following the example of most countries of the world, for official employment in Afghanistan, a foreign applicant must first conclude a contract with an Afghan employer, then obtain a work permit and apply for a work visa. The Afghan Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs checks the vacancy and issues the work permit. In addition, approval of the local Ministry of Foreign Affairs is required. The validity of the document is one year with the right to extend it for a similar period.
Peculiarities of employment in Afghanistan and basic requirements
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A foreigner must be 18 years old.
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It is not allowed to work not by specialty.
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It is necessary to provide a certificate of health.
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Commit to comply with local laws and regulations, as well as respect the beliefs and traditions of the people of Afghanistan.
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The employer is responsible for the activities of the foreigner.
In general, the governments of most countries in the world do not advise their citizens to visit Afghanistan, much less move to this country for a long period of time for employment. Every vacancy or job offer should be examined literally under a magnifying glass, analyze the risks and only then make a decision.
How to find a job in Afghanistan. Job search.
Afghanistan's labor market is very different from the rest of the world, especially developed European countries. One of the few similar factors is the priority right of local citizens over foreigners to fill a vacancy. That is, the qualifications and skills of an applicant from abroad must be scarce for Afghanistan. Most jobs are concentrated in the capital, Kabul.
Language skills play an important role. The official languages in the country are Pashto (used by about 50% of the population) and Dari (about 35%). Uzbek and Turkmen are widely spread, which in some regions also have official status. Mastery of English, as a language of international communication, of course, will be very useful.
Contract work in Afghanistan for foreigners requires collecting and analyzing information from all sorts of sources on the Internet. Unfortunately, visiting the country for tourist purposes and trying to find an employer on the spot is not the best idea. Register on specialized forums and communicate with experienced labor migrants, ask questions and draw conclusions.
Official website of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of Afghanistan – molsa.gov.af
International professional network – linkedin.com
Popular job search sites in Afghanistan
If you can't find a job in Afghanistan without intermediaries, contact a recruitment agency. Consult your friends, acquaintances and be careful.
Jobs and salaries in Afghanistan
The number of available jobs in Afghanistan for foreigners is very limited. The vast majority of locals, about 78.6%, are engaged in agriculture, 15.7% are involved in the service sector and 5.7% in industry. Positive dynamics is observed in trade, in particular, Afghan handmade carpets, fur and leather products are exported.
The average salary in Afghanistan in 2025 does not exceed 200-250 dollars per month. Much depends on the vacancy and the region. For example, in Kabul, a security professional can receive up to 2,000 dollars, a manager up to 1,000 dollars, and a secretary only 50. Often the conditions and specifics of work allow foreign specialists to earn good money in Afghanistan, from 1-2 thousand dollars a month and more.
Available vacancies in Afghanistan in 2025
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Construction. Both qualified specialists – heads of infrastructure projects and laborers are required.
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Workers of international humanitarian organizations and diplomatic agencies. Sometimes work on a volunteer basis is offered.
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Professionals in private security structures and security agencies, as well as military specialists and instructors.
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Employees of foreign media organizations.
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Doctors, including veterinarians and dentists.
It is possible to find work in Afghanistan in information technology, logistics, social services, and management. Translators, teachers, drivers and security guards are needed. Once again, let us emphasize personal safety; make your decision about employment in Afghanistan carefully.
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