Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky said the company will host 20,000 Afghan refugees for free in its homes around the world.
The refugees will be housed in properties on Airbnb's platform, and the stays will be funded by the company itself, Chesky said on Twitter. However, the CEO did not provide further details on how much the company will spend or how long the Afghan refugees will be able to stay in Airbnb properties.
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The United States said on Monday it has evacuated about 48,000 people from Afghanistan in recent days, while thousands more are still trying to flee the country, fearing reprisals from the Taliban militants now in power.
The main exit point is Kabul airport. A huge number of people are there trying to escape the country. The Taliban have set a deadline of August 31 for airlifts, and many people are worried they won't be able to leave in time.
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“The displacement and resettlement of Afghan refugees in the United States and elsewhere is one of the greatest humanitarian crises of our time,” Chesky said. “We feel a responsibility to deliver.”
He also added: “I hope this inspires other business leaders to do the same. There is no time to waste.”
Airbnb's CEO urged the company's hosts to "reach out" to him if they want to host Afghan refugees and refugee families, and pledged to connect them with the right people at the company.
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Fortunately, many companies of all types and sizes are stepping up to show their support for victims in times of great crisis. Texas Medical Technology, a supplier and distributor of medical equipment, told CNBC that it plans to hire 100 Afghan refugees within a year at a factory in Houston.
On the other hand, this is not the first time Airbnb has covered the cost of housing for people in need. According to the company, at least 75,000 people have found a place to stay during a crisis since 2012.
Source: CNBC
