Islamic Emirate Agriculture Minister Reports 4.5 Million Afghan Returnees Assisted Amid Forced Deportations

Afghanistan’s Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, Ataullah Omari, stated that 4.5 million Afghans have been forcibly returned from neighboring countries over the past year and have received organized assistance.

Speaking during the distribution of aid to returnees in Nangarhar province, Omari said the deportations began about a year ago after neighboring countries hosted Afghans for nearly four decades. “So far, 4.5 million Afghan refugees have been returned to their country, which is almost equal to the population of a small country. No major problems have occurred, and returnees have been assisted in all sectors,” Omari said.

He criticized the host countries, saying Afghan refugees should have been allowed to return voluntarily. “About a year ago, neighboring countries decided to expel Afghan refugees from their soil. That was their decision, but people whom you hosted for 40 or 45 years should have been sent off with dignity. Even when a guest stays in someone’s home for just one or two nights, they are seen off respectfully, not through force and hardship. Unfortunately, Afghan refugees were not treated well by host countries,” Omari added.

Recently returned Afghans from Pakistan described hardships faced during deportation. Mohammad Naqeeb, deported from Pakistan, said: “We thank the Islamic Emirate for helping us, but permanent job opportunities should also be provided.”

Another returnee, Wasil Khan, stated: “I sold all my household belongings at half price. We were deported with very poor treatment, and now we ask the Islamic Emirate to provide us with continued support so we can rebuild our lives.”

The Islamic Emirate has launched a program to provide cash and food assistance to 70,000 returning families nationwide, with aid currently delivered to more than 50,000 families in 34 provinces by the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock.