Solar Year 1404 Sees Nearly 2.9 Million Afghan Returns, Half Forced from Iran and Pakistan

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reported that nearly 2.9 million Afghans returned home during solar year 1404, with about half comprising forced returns, including 1.9 million from Iran, 1 million from Pakistan and 1,953 from Tajikistan. The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriates stated that more than three million migrants were expelled from Iran and Pakistan during the year.

Afghan migrants described hardships amid the expulsions. Ma'roofa Es'haqi, an Afghan in Iran, said the Iranian government had invalidated census cards previously used for access to schools and hospitals, increasing worries. Muhammad, recently expelled from Pakistan, recounted the demolition of homes and denial of owed payments, leaving returnees empty-handed.

Officials from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan expressed concern over the treatment of migrants. Abdul Salam Hanafi urged Iran and Pakistan to respect Islamic, humanitarian and neighborly rights, saying neighboring countries are obligated under Islamic and international laws to refrain from harassment. Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, Minister of Refugees and Repatriates, called for any concerns to be sent in writing for reforms and proposed meetings with UNAMA.

Farhan Haq, UN Deputy Spokesperson, stated that forcibly returning long-recognized refugees contradicts Pakistan's humanitarian approach and violates the principle of non-refoulement.

Expulsions extended beyond neighbors. Turkey detained more than 42,000 Afghan migrants. European countries including Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Britain emphasized deportations of illegal Afghans. In the United States, President Donald Trump said the country must re-examine Afghan migrants from the Biden era and remove those who do not belong or benefit America.

Reports also emerged of violence, including Iranian border guards killing several Afghans. Ahmad Shah Abdali, a relative of victims, demanded attention from Islamic Emirate officials to cases involving nine people.