Nearly 150,000 Afghans Expelled or Returned Since Early 2026, UN Reports
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has reported that since the beginning of 2026, nearly 150,000 Afghan nationals have been expelled from neighboring countries or have returned to Afghanistan. According to the agency, the majority of these individuals came back from Pakistan and Iran and are facing severe humanitarian and economic challenges.
The latest report from the UNHCR states that the rapid and widespread increase in returnees has intensified pressure on Afghanistan’s already fragile humanitarian situation. This comes as the country deals with economic weakness, the aftermath of natural disasters, and a lack of social services across many areas.
According to the report, many returning families lack adequate shelter, employment opportunities, and legal documentation, and their income levels remain very low. Such conditions raise the risk of escalating poverty and internal displacement, highlighting the urgent need for immediate support programs.
The United Nations has emphasized that urgent and increased aid is essential for the resettlement and support of returnees to help them rebuild their lives with stability. The organization also noted that despite a reduction in global funding, it strives to continue comprehensive support for Afghan migrants to the best of its ability.
Meanwhile, Sardar Ahmad Shakib, the Taliban’s representative to Islamabad, stressed the importance of serious and fundamental attention to the situation of Afghan migrants during a meeting with UN migration officials. However, within Afghanistan, it is expected that the Taliban administration will implement practical and accountable measures to manage the wave of returnees and provide jobs, shelter, and basic services. Failure to address these issues could deepen the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
