On Sunday, June 9, the Taliban-run refugees ministry reported that over 3,000 Afghan migrants were deported or voluntarily returned from Iran and Pakistan. This significant movement of people highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Afghan refugees in neighboring countries. The coordinated efforts of Iran and Pakistan to send back these migrants reflect their intensified measures to address the presence of undocumented Afghans within their borders.
Specifically, Pakistan deported 911 Afghan migrants on this day. The ministry detailed that 125 families, comprising 711 individuals, returned to Afghanistan via the Torkham crossing, a major border point between the two countries. Additionally, 38 families, totaling 200 people, crossed back into Afghanistan through the Spin Boldak crossing. These crossings are critical points of re-entry and are often overwhelmed by the large numbers of returnees.
From Iran, a substantial number of Afghan migrants also made their way back home. The ministry noted that 2,774 Afghan migrants, including both those deported and voluntary returnees, entered Afghanistan through the Islam Qala crossing. This influx underscores the significant role Iran plays in the return of Afghan nationals, many of whom have been living in the country for years without proper documentation. The large number of returnees places considerable strain on border facilities and resources in Afghanistan.
Among the thousands of returnees were numerous families, 513 of whom were identified as particularly vulnerable. These vulnerable individuals were promptly referred to aid organizations for additional assistance. This process is crucial in ensuring that those most in need receive immediate support, including shelter, food, and medical care. The identification and referral of vulnerable groups underscore the complex humanitarian needs accompanying such large-scale returns.
Afghanistan’s neighbors, Iran and Pakistan, have been increasingly active in their efforts to deport Afghan refugees who lack legal status. This trend has been accelerating, driven by various factors including political, economic, and social pressures within these host countries. The deportations and voluntary returns are part of broader regional dynamics, reflecting the ongoing struggles and the precarious situation of Afghan migrants who face an uncertain future upon their return to their home country.