790 Migrant Families Return to Afghanistan via Three Official Border Crossings

Amid the ongoing process of migrant returns, 790 families comprising 4,100 individuals have entered Afghanistan through the official border crossings of Torkham, Spin Boldak, and Islam Qala. According to Taliban administration officials, these families were registered at reception centers and then referred to relevant committees to receive basic services.

Hamdullah Fetrat, deputy spokesperson for the Taliban administration, reported that based on a committee’s registration, stabilization, and reception data, 677 families totaling 3,568 individuals arrived via Torkham, 85 families with 469 people came through Spin Boldak, and 18 families comprising 63 individuals entered through Islam Qala. He added that the registration and referral processes to other service sectors were carried out without delay.

In terms of transportation, the Transport and Transfer Committee moved 772 families, totaling 4,299 people, from reception centers to various provinces. According to provided information, 601 families came from Torkham, 67 from Spin Boldak, and 104 from Kabul to their destination provinces, with a total transportation cost of 4,024,700 Afghanis.

Furthermore, the Financial Affairs Committee distributed cash assistance to 793 families, while the Services and Health Committee provided healthcare and telecommunications services at the Amari Camp in Torkham. Within this framework, 750 SIM cards with active packages were given to returning migrants to facilitate their access to communication services.

The Information and Public Awareness Committee also guided migrants on the registration process, cash aid reception, transportation, and temporary accommodation. However, considering the increasing wave of forced returns from neighboring countries, it is expected that the Taliban administration, beyond providing basic services, will offer clear and practical programs to establish sustainable employment opportunities, shelter, and access to essential services in the provinces. Short-term assistance without a plan for sustainable integration will not resolve the social and economic challenges faced by returnees.

The High Commission for Addressing Migrants’ Issues emphasized that the provision of services at official border crossings continues, with efforts underway to meet the immediate needs of returning families as quickly as possible.