Daily Wage Workers in Herat Struggle to Find Consistent Employment

HERAT CITY (Afghan Verified) -- Around 500 daily wage workers gather every day at spots in Herat City in western Afghanistan, but most find work only once or twice a week amid rising food prices.

Many of the men, who are often sole breadwinners for large families, wait from dawn with anxious expressions, hoping for day labor. Syed Ahmad, who returned from Iran about seven months ago due to unemployment, said workers come every morning but opportunities are scarce. "In a week, we may get work only one or two days," he told Pajhwok Afghan News.

Ali Ahmad, a young worker, said he cannot afford new clothes and feels ashamed before his family when work is unavailable. Hamidullah, another laborer, echoed the complaints, returning home empty-handed most days. He urged the government to develop industrial zones, agriculture and livestock sectors to create jobs.

Economic analyst Aqa Gul Haidari emphasized that security alone is insufficient for improving livelihoods. He called for establishing factories, industrial zones and attracting investors, noting Afghanistan's potential in agriculture and livestock for permanent employment.

Hafez Mirza Abu Mohammad Mansour, head of the Herat Directorate of Labour and Social Affairs, said officials issued 2,525 work permits to Herat residents in the first 11 months of the current year. He added that efforts continue to expand employment opportunities across the province.