Voluntary Returns of Afghans from Iran to Herat Surge by 80 Percent

Local officials in Herat province report a significant increase in the voluntary return of Afghans from Iran amid recent developments and rising security concerns in Iran. According to them, voluntary returns have risen by up to 80 percent, with nearly two thousand people entering Afghanistan daily through the Islam Qala border crossing.

Abdulzhahir Qazizadeh, head of migrant registration and returnees in Islam Qala, stated that previously about 80 percent of returnees were deported individuals; however, now between 80 to 90 percent are returning voluntarily. He also noted that unlike before, when most returnees were single men, families are now also part of this process.

Several returnees cited increased insecurity, concerns over recent attacks, and worsening economic conditions in Iran as reasons for their return. Others mentioned rising prices of basic goods, shortages of certain items, and expanding unemployment as factors.

Military conflicts between Iran on one side and the United States and Israel on the other began about two weeks ago. These developments have impacted not only Iranian citizens but also Afghan migrants living in Iran, triggering a new wave of returns to Afghanistan.