KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – A new regional overview by the International Organization for Migration’s Missing Migrants Project reveals that 2025 was one of the deadliest years on record for migrants from the Asia-Pacific region, with Afghan nationals accounting for the largest share of fatalities. According to the report, at least 2,722 Asia-Pacific migrants died or went missing worldwide during international migration in 2025, marking the second consecutive year in which deaths exceeded 2,700, following a record 2,745 fatalities in 2024.
The report highlights that the overwhelming majority of these deaths—around 91 percent, or 2,471 individuals—occurred within the Asia-Pacific region itself. Southern Asia recorded the highest number of fatalities with 1,547 deaths, followed by South-eastern Asia with 920, and a smaller number in Eastern Asia. These figures underscore the persistent and widespread dangers faced by migrants even before they reach destinations outside the region.
Afghan nationals were the most affected group, with at least 1,492 recorded deaths in 2025. Most Afghan fatalities occurred along perilous land routes between Afghanistan and Iran, a key migration corridor used by those attempting to continue onward to Türkiye and Europe. Additional deaths were reported along the Iran–Türkiye border and during return movements from Iran and Pakistan, reflecting the multiple risks Afghans face both while migrating and when being forced to return.
The report indicates that most Afghans who died were adult men, although nearly 40 percent of all recorded cases lacked detailed information on age and gender. This data gap highlights the challenges of tracking migration-related deaths, particularly in remote, conflict-affected, or inaccessible areas.
The causes of death varied but consistently reflected dangerous and life-threatening conditions. Afghan migrants were particularly vulnerable to illness and lack of access to healthcare, hazardous transportation methods leading to fatal accidents, and extreme environmental conditions such as harsh winter cold. In several cases, migrants lost their lives due to hypothermia while crossing mountainous border regions. Violence also remained a serious concern, with Afghan nationals making up the majority of victims in violent incidents along key border areas, despite a slight overall decline in such cases compared to the previous year.
While most deaths occurred within the region, the dangers extended far beyond it. At least 251 Asia-Pacific migrants died along routes outside the region, many while attempting to reach Europe. Among them were at least 32 Afghan nationals who perished along Mediterranean migration routes, highlighting the global scale of the risks faced by those fleeing insecurity and economic hardship.
The report stresses that the true number of deaths is likely significantly higher than recorded. Due to the clandestine nature of irregular migration, as well as limited data collection in conflict zones, many fatalities go unreported. As a result, the documented figures should be considered only a minimum estimate of the real toll.
Overall, the findings point to an ongoing humanitarian crisis, with Afghan migrants remaining among the most vulnerable populations. The continued high number of deaths reflects the urgent need for safer migration pathways, improved protection mechanisms, and stronger international cooperation to prevent further loss of life among those seeking safety and better opportunities abroad.
Afghanistan’s neighbors, Iran and Pakistan, have hosted millions of refugees over decades. Following the US and NATO withdrawal in August 2021, and the Taliban’s return to power, hundreds of thousands more fled Afghanistan. Recent anti-migration policies in both countries have led to the deportation of millions, including activists, journalists, and women.
The mass returns are occurring at a time when Afghanistan is facing one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. More than half of the population relies on international aid, and women and girls continue to face unprecedented restrictions on their basic rights, including access to education and employment.
