424 Migrant Families Return in One Day as UN Highlights Widespread Unemployment in Afghanistan
Media outlets controlled by the Taliban administration have reported that 424 migrant families entered Afghanistan from various border crossings in the past day. According to the report, the majority of these families returned through the Torkham crossing in Nangarhar province.
Bakhter News Agency wrote on Wednesday, 22nd of Dalw, that 369 families came through Torkham, 24 families through Islam Qala in Herat, 15 families via the Pul-e-Abresham crossing in Nimroz, 12 families through Bahramcha in Helmand, and four families via Spin Boldak in Kandahar. These crossings are among the main routes for Afghan migrants travelling between Iran and Pakistan.
The United Nations had previously stated that only 11 percent of returnees have employment, a fact that raises concerns about their livelihood and access to job opportunities. Many returning families face serious economic challenges and a lack of basic services in different areas.
Two days earlier, about 300 migrant families also returned to the country. Additionally, the UN has reported that approximately 2.8 million Afghan migrants have returned from Iran and Pakistan to Afghanistan in 2025, indicating a broad wave of returns in recent months.
With the increasing return flow, aid organizations emphasize the need to establish organized support programs and to provide job opportunities and shelter for these families. It is a responsibility expected to be effectively addressed by the Taliban administration in coordination with international organizations.
