UN Cash Aid for Deported Afghan Migrants in Pakistan to Be Severely Limited
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office in Pakistan has announced it can no longer provide cash assistance to all returning Afghan migrants due to global funding shortages.
According to a statement issued on Saturday, November 14, the policy change took effect on Friday and now only certain groups of returnees are eligible to receive financial support. These include individuals who are registered with UNHCR programs or hold a Proof of Registration (PoR) card.
The UN acknowledged that the current global economic situation has directly impacted its ability to deliver humanitarian assistance, making it increasingly difficult to ensure a dignified and sustainable return for Afghan refugees.
The statement added that future assistance will be more targeted, limited to returnees deemed vulnerable and registered in the UNHCR system. This decision has drawn criticism, as thousands of Afghan families forced to return will now be deprived of even the most basic aid.
UNHCR emphasized that it is aware of the hardships Afghan families are facing and affirmed that, if funding becomes available, previous levels of aid could be restored.
Meanwhile, the Taliban administration’s pressure on migrants and lack of cooperation with international organizations has further complicated the process of repatriation and reintegration. Many experts warn that poor management of this situation could lead to a broader humanitarian crisis.
