The first group of Afghan nationals who fled the country after the Taliban seized power arrived in the Albanian capital of Tirana late on Thursday, the country's government said on Friday.

These are the first refugees from Afghanistan to arrive in Western Balkans after their country fell into the hands of the Taliban. Government spokesperson did not give any details, but had said earlier that 171 Afghans were expected to arrive.

The country can take in up to 4,000 refugees, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said.

The refugees can stay in Albania for at least a year, and during that time they will apply for special US visas, the government said.

Earlier, Kosovo and North Macedonia said they would also take in some refugees from Afghanistan.