Afghanistan faces mass return of millions deported from Pakistan and Iran

Millions of Afghans are being forced to return to Afghanistan following intensified crackdowns on migrants in neighboring Pakistan and Iran. According to the UNHCR, the number of people forced to return this year from these two countries has already reached one million. Over the last three years, approximately six million people—a population comparable to the size of a small country—have been moved back into Afghanistan.

While many deportees are undocumented, the United Nations and human rights organizations report that security sweeps are affecting registered Afghans as well. Pakistan has publicly stated that even those holding Proof of Registration cards are not exempt from the expulsions.

Many returnees face extreme hardship upon arrival. Many have never lived in Afghanistan before, having been born in Pakistan, and are returning to a country where food insecurity is widespread and the Taliban maintains control.