Rising Returns of Afghan Migrants from Iran Prompt Aid Concerns

The International Organization for Migration reports that deteriorating economic conditions and stricter migration policies in Iran are driving a growing number of Afghan nationals to return to Afghanistan. According to the agency, mounting hardships and unresolved legal statuses are prompting families and individuals to leave Iran in increasing numbers.

Among those returning are siblings Zainab and Ali, who recently crossed back into Afghanistan through the Islam Qala border crossing. Their return followed the death of their father, which left their residency status in Iran unresolved and forced them to leave the country. Their case reflects a broader trend affecting thousands of Afghan families living abroad.

In recent years, both Iran and Pakistan have intensified pressure on undocumented Afghan migrants, resulting in large-scale repatriations. The International Organization for Migration has documented these movements, noting that economic strain and shifting regulatory environments are the primary drivers behind the recent surge in returns.

Humanitarian organizations have raised concerns about the capacity of Afghanistan to manage the influx. Aid agencies warn that the country’s fragile economy and already stretched humanitarian resources are struggling to absorb the growing number of returnees. The sudden increase in arrivals places additional strain on housing, healthcare, and livelihood programs in border provinces and urban centers alike.

Officials and aid workers emphasize the need for coordinated support to assist returning families with basic necessities, legal documentation, and long-term integration. Without sustained international assistance and domestic planning, the growing wave of returns could further challenge communities already facing economic and social pressures.