Heavy Pressure from Returning Migrants Strains Afghanistan’s Border Crossing Points
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reported that the significant surge in returning migrants in 2025 has placed considerable pressure on Afghanistan’s border reception centers, with thousands of returnees facing urgent humanitarian needs. According to the organization, many of these individuals require immediate access to food, shelter, healthcare, and financial assistance upon entering the country.
In a new report released on Sunday, the IOM stated that returnees often arrive in Afghanistan after long and difficult journeys, frequently without sufficient financial resources. The lack of organized support after arrival exposes them to risks such as wandering in border areas and increased vulnerability, a situation exacerbated by the country’s fragile economic conditions under Taliban rule.
The IOM noted that, through flexible funding, it has been able to maintain its operational presence at border reception centers along Afghanistan’s borders with Iran and Pakistan. These services include vulnerability assessments, food distribution, provision of temporary accommodation, and cash assistance to help returnees continue their journeys to various provinces.
According to the report, 427,448 returnees have received transportation subsidies this year to reach their desired destinations from the border areas. Additionally, 37,520 families have been provided with multi-purpose cash grants to meet their immediate needs after returning.
The organization added that 33,988 families, amounting to 141,316 individuals identified as highly vulnerable, have received special support. The aim of this assistance is to focus on the families most at risk.
The IOM emphasized that the distinguishing feature of this program is linking border reception services with the necessary support for returnees to continue their lives inside the country. Besides addressing initial needs upon arrival, transport services, short-term accommodation, and cash assistance have been provided to enable them to settle in their chosen locations.
In part of the report, one returnee said, “They gave us neither a deadline nor a warning. They loaded us onto vehicles and dropped us here.” This testimony highlights that some returns have occurred under difficult circumstances and without prior preparation.
The IOM has stated that, with the ongoing flow of returning migrants, the organization’s future focus will be on increasing the capacity of border reception centers, strengthening the identification process for vulnerable individuals, and expanding support services to ensure returnees access necessary assistance from the moment they arrive.
