Sharp Increase in Return of Afghan Migrants Via Dogharoun Border

The number of undocumented Afghan migrants returning from Iran through the official Dogharoun border crossing in Khorasan Razavi province has risen sharply this October compared to the previous two months.

According to local officials in Taybad County, the number of Afghan nationals voluntarily returning or deported through this crossing has increased by up to 30% compared to July and August. Currently, undocumented migrants are presenting themselves at refugee camps across eleven provinces in Iran, where they begin the formal repatriation process before being escorted to the Dogharoun border.

The Taybad administration states that the deportation or voluntary return of these migrants is part of an organized initiative. Official figures indicate that, since the beginning of the current year, over 1.02 million undocumented Afghan migrants have returned through this crossing alone, highlighting mounting pressures and restrictions imposed by Iranian local authorities.

Beyond economic pressures, Iran has also intensified fears among Afghan migrants about potential new social and security restrictions. Many migrants are now returning to Afghanistan after years of living in Iran without access to education, employment opportunities, or even basic identification documents.

The Dogharoun border crossing is increasingly using biometric and identity verification systems, with Iranian officials promising full implementation in the near future.

Located 18 kilometers southeast of Taybad city, Dogharoun is one of three major gateways for Afghan migrant returns. Other crossings include Mahiroud in South Khorasan and Milak in Sistan and Baluchestan, though Dogharoun currently handles the highest volume of movement.

The Taliban administration in Afghanistan has not yet responded to the situation of these returning migrants or to their basic resettlement needs. This comes despite such responsibilities being fundamental duties of any governance system claiming to represent the people. So far, the Taliban response has been described as apathetic and indifferent toward the fate of millions of returning Afghan migrants.