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Airbnb Opens Up Housing For 20,000 Afghan Refugees

Airbnb Opens Up Housing For 20,000 Afghan Refugees

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky said that he hopes the move 'inspires other business leaders to do the same' as there is 'no time to waste'

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

Airbnb has opened the doors of its properties to 20,000 Afghan refugees across the globe.

The company has also sought assistance from hosts who rent property through the home-sharing company for more free housing for those fleeing the crisis.

PA

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky took to Twitter, writing: "Starting today, Airbnb will begin housing 20,000 Afghan refugees globally for free.

"The displacement and resettlement of Afghan refugees in the US and elsewhere is one of the biggest humanitarian crises of our time. We feel a responsibility to step up.

"I hope this inspires other business leaders to do the same. There's no time to waste."

He also explained: "If you're willing to host a refugee family, reach out and I'll connect you with the right people here to make it happen!"

The UN Refugee Agency said last month that an estimated 270,000 Afghans had been newly displaced inside the country since January - primarily due to insecurity and violence - bringing the total uprooted population to more than 3.5 million.

People in Afghanistan are being forced to flee the country as the Taliban seize power for the first time since the late 1990s.

During a press conference in Kabul, a Taliban spokesperson said no evacuations will be permitted after the 31 August deadline.

Zabihullah Mujahid said: "August 31 is the time given and after that it's something that is against the agreement. All people should be removed prior to that date.

"After that we do not allow them, it will not be allowed in our country, we will take a different stance."

PA

Airbnb has a history of making free shelter to those in need.

Since 2012, Airbnb.org has housed 75,000 people fleeing or responding to a crisis, from Covid-19 health workers and earthquake or fire evacuees or responders, to refugees.

Hosts are allowed to sign up for the programme through Airbnb.org.

Airbnb operates in approximately 100,000 cities in almost every country and region across the world.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: airbnb, World News, News