KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The number of Afghan migrants returning from neighboring countries is increasing, according to figures released by the Taliban authorities.
State-run Bakhtar News Agency reported that on Friday (20 February), 1,103 families crossed back into Afghanistan from Pakistan and Iran.
Of those, 853 families entered through the Torkham crossing and 134 through Spin Boldak from Pakistan. Meanwhile, 109 families returned via the Pul-e-Abrisham crossing and 17 others through Islam Qala from Iran.
Taliban officials said that 906 migrant families returned on Thursday, while 841 families were recorded as returning on Wednesday, indicating a steady rise in daily arrivals.
“Assistance was provided to 660 families in Torkham, 131 in Spin Boldak, 17 in Herat, and 238 in Kabul. In total, 4,639 migrants returned to the country on the same day, including 1,824 passengers via Nimroz. The Information and Public Awareness Team of the commission is offering guidance to returnee families on registration, transportation, financial assistance, short-term settlement, and information on the country, the Islamic system, immigration, patience, tolerance, and education. Additionally, 1,167 SIM cards have been distributed to the returnees.”
Last year, more than 2.9 million Afghan migrants were deported from Pakistan and Iran, according to previously released data.
Authorities also state that since October 2023, approximately 5.4 million migrants have returned to Afghanistan from the two neighboring countries.
The increase comes amid ongoing deportation campaigns and mounting economic challenges facing Afghan migrants in the region.
Pakistan and Iran have significantly intensified arrests and deportations of Afghan migrants this year. According to Taliban officials, more than 2.5 million Afghans have been forced back into Afghanistan since the beginning of the current year.
International humanitarian organizations have warned that the rapid and large-scale deportations are worsening Afghanistan’s already severe humanitarian crisis, leaving many returnees without shelter, jobs, or across to basic services.
Aid agencies and international organizations have repeatedly called on Pakistan and Iran to halt the forced deportation of Afghan migrants and to end the harassment and mistreatment of Afghan refugees.
