Returned Afghan Migrants Complain of Phone Searches by Taliban Officials

Several Afghan migrants who recently returned from Pakistan say Taliban officials inspect their mobile phones upon arrival and inquire about their personal information, actions they describe as clear violations of privacy.

These migrants, speaking on Tuesday, 5 May, said many returnees, due to prolonged stays abroad and lack of awareness of current conditions in Afghanistan, are unable to respond adequately to the extensive questioning by officials. According to them, the questions are mostly personal, including checks of saved contacts and types of communications on their phones.

The returnees also reported that if an individual fails to provide satisfactory answers, the aid allocated to them is cut off, and they are even warned not to be present in certain areas. They consider this approach an additional pressure on families already facing economic and social challenges after expulsion or forced return.

One migrant said that besides phone inspections, in some cases, their migration cards—containing identity and family information and personal photos—were also confiscated. He believes this practice has caused serious security and personal concerns.

The returnees have urged Taliban officials to manage the migrant reception and registration process based on humanitarian principles that respect individual dignity and privacy. They emphasize that strict measures not only fail to alleviate their problems but also complicate the process of return and reintegration into society.