Afghan Returns: Iran & Pakistan – UN Report
- Islamabad - The United nations refugee agency (UNHCR) issued a warning Saturday,stating that the large-scale repatriation of more than 1.2 million Afghan from iran and Pakistan this year...
- According to the UNHCR, over half of the 1.2 million afghan who have returned did so after March 20, the deadline set by the Iranian government for voluntary...
- Arafat Jamal, UNHCR representative in Kabul, said, "Afghan families are being uprooted once again, arriving with few belongings, tired, hungry, scared of what awaits them in a country...
the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) warns that the surge in Afghan refugee returns from Iran and Pakistan could destabilize Afghanistan. Over 1.2 million Afghans have been expelled this year, with Iran deporting over 366,000 individuals. The UNHCR highlights concerns for returnees, including lack of belongings and fear of the unknown, especially for women and girls. Taliban officials have promised safe return and assistance. Pakistan is also planning to expel a significant number of Afghans. This mass displacement creates a humanitarian crisis, compounded by aid challenges. Stay informed with the latest developments-News Directory 3 delivers crucial insights. Discover what’s next in this rapidly evolving situation.
UNHCR Warns of Destabilization as Afghan Refugee Returns Surge
Updated June 28,2025
Islamabad – The United nations refugee agency (UNHCR) issued a warning Saturday,stating that the large-scale repatriation of more than 1.2 million Afghan from iran and Pakistan this year could destabilize Afghanistan. Both iran and Pakistan initiated campaigns in 2023 to expel foreigners residing in their countries without authorization.
According to the UNHCR, over half of the 1.2 million afghan who have returned did so after March 20, the deadline set by the Iranian government for voluntary departure before facing expulsion. Iran has deported over 366,000 Afghan this year, including refugees.
Arafat Jamal, UNHCR representative in Kabul, said, “Afghan families are being uprooted once again, arriving with few belongings, tired, hungry, scared of what awaits them in a country in which many of them have never set foot.” He added that women and girls face particular concerns regarding restrictions on movement, education, and employment.
Iran’s attorney general,mohammad Movahedi Azad,urged foreigners illegally present in Iran to leave promptly or face criminal prosecution,according to state press. Iranian authorities estimated in April that of the more than 6 million Afghan in Iran, up to 2.5 million lacked proper authorization.
Earlier this month, during Eid al-Adha, Taliban Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund said that all Afghan who fled after the collapse of the previous government could return safely. “The Afghan who have left the country must return to their homeland,” akhund said in a message posted on X. “No one will hurt them…and live in a peace environment.”
A high-ranking Taliban delegation visited Herat province Saturday to meet with returning Afghan. Hamdullah Fitrat, a Taliban spokesman, said officials pledged to address urgent needs and provide essential services to facilitate reintegration. ahmadullah Muttaqi, director of Details and Culture in Herat, said returnees receive food, temporary housing, medical care, about $28.50 in cash, and free transportation to their home provinces.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has set a June 30 deadline for approximately 1.3 million Afghan to leave the country, with plans to expel a total of 3 million this year. The mass Afghan refugee returns and expulsions are creating a complex humanitarian crisis.
What’s next
aid agencies face challenges in providing adequate support due to funding cuts and opposition to Taliban policies. The UNHCR continues to monitor the situation and work with authorities to ensure the safe and dignified return of Afghan refugees.