Nearly 6,000 Afghan Migrants Expelled in One Day, Return from Pakistan and Iran
The Taliban’s High Commission for Migration Affairs has announced that in the past 24 hours, a total of 5,802 Afghan migrants were expelled from Pakistan and Iran and have returned to Afghanistan. According to the statement, 5,450 individuals were expelled from Pakistan and 352 from Iran.
The commission stated that the returnees entered the country through the Torkham and Spin Boldak crossings on the border with Pakistan, as well as the Islam Qala and Pul-e Abresham crossings on the border with Iran. These crossings are among the most important transit points for migrants between Afghanistan and its neighboring countries.
In recent weeks, the rate of expulsions from Iran has decreased, while expulsions from Pakistan have significantly increased. Meanwhile, crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan are currently open only for migrant returns; all other traffic has been suspended for about six months due to ongoing tensions between the Taliban administration and Pakistan.
The surge in expulsions comes as many returnees face shortages of shelter, unemployment, and livelihood challenges within the country. Despite announced support programs, no clear reports have been presented on how the Taliban administration is effectively managing this volume of returnees, and concerns over the humanitarian situation at the border crossings remain persistent.
