Over 146,000 Afghan Migrants Return From Neighboring Countries in 18 Days

Afghanistan’s Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation has announced that more than 146,500 Afghan migrants have returned to the country from neighboring states during the first 18 days of Qaws (the current Afghan calendar month). According to the ministry, among those who returned, 834 came from Turkey, approximately 68,000 from Iran, and more than 77,000 from Pakistan.

The mass return of migrants comes amid increasingly difficult living and working conditions for Afghans in host countries. In recent months, both Iran and Pakistan have stepped up efforts to forcibly return Afghan migrants, sparking widespread concern over their reintegration and future inside Afghanistan.

Experts say the Taliban administration has yet to present a clear plan for addressing the needs of returnees. Many families arriving back in Afghanistan are facing serious challenges such as lack of shelter, limited job opportunities, and inadequate access to basic services. Observers warn that without a comprehensive policy to support returning migrants, a new humanitarian crisis could be emerging in some provinces.