Kabul: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has expressed deep concern over the mass deportation of Afghan migrants from neighboring countries, warning that the surge in returns is unfolding as international aid to Afghanistan continues to decline sharply.
UNHCR’s representative in Afghanistan, Arafat Jamal, reported that nearly 380,000 Afghan nationals have been forcibly returned in 2025 alone. He underscored that Afghanistan, grappling with ongoing economic and humanitarian challenges, lacks the infrastructure and resources to absorb such large numbers.
"Since September 2023, over three million Afghans have returned home," said Jamal. "This year alone, 380,000 have come back. They are greeted by a population that embraces them with open arms, but the country itself remains critically unprepared to support them. During recent visits to key border crossings with Pakistan and Iran, I saw Afghans doing all they can to support their returning brothers and sisters — offering shelter, food, and care — despite their own struggles."
Jamal also emphasized the dire implications of decreasing international funding for humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan, particularly for deported returnees.
"Every dollar lost strips away someone's chance to rebuild. Right now, our aid is life-saving but only temporary. It cannot provide long-term solutions," he stated. "This also weakens our capacity to support those working under difficult conditions to advance women’s rights and access to education and leisure. These people exist and persist — and they need global solidarity."
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation says it has strategies in place to manage the influx, but also stresses the need for international collaboration.
Abdul Mutalib Haqqani, spokesperson for the ministry, said, "The Islamic Emirate is ready to facilitate the return of Afghan migrants. We have plans for housing and education, but we need continued support from partner countries and aid organizations to realize these goals."
As Pakistan and Iran continue the mass expulsions, the absence of adequate international aid is compounding fears of another humanitarian crisis brewing in Afghanistan.
