Afghanistan Peace CampaignMeanwhile, the Islamic Emirate says a specific mechanism has been established at the country’s border crossings to assist deportees.
Since the beginning of the current solar year 1405, more than 635,000 Afghan migrants have been forcibly returned from Iran and Pakistan, a figure that reflects continued pressure on Afghan migrants in the two countries.
Some of those deported say they were not given enough time to collect their belongings and that meeting their basic needs has become one of their main concerns after returning to Afghanistan.
Zakir, a deported migrant, said: “They would not let us live there. They even threatened to demolish our homes.”
For families returning to Afghanistan after years of living abroad, starting life again is not easy. Migration experts say employment, shelter and access to services are among their most pressing needs.
Mohammad Khan Talibi Mohammadzai, a migrant rights activist, said: “The large-scale return of Afghan migrants without proper planning puts additional pressure on Afghanistan’s labor market, housing and public services. The Afghan government must immediately establish a joint mechanism among the relevant institutions for the registration, settlement, employment and reintegration of returnees.”
In Kabul, some residents are calling on host countries to treat Afghan migrants appropriately and manage their return in a way that respects their rights and human dignity.
Mohammad Halim, a Kabul resident, said: “Our request to Pakistan is that, considering the situation in Afghanistan, migrants should be returned to Afghanistan in an orderly manner.”
Elham, a Kabul resident, said: “We ask Iran and Pakistan to postpone the return of Afghan migrants until the end of winter.”
Meanwhile, the Islamic Emirate says a specific mechanism has been established at the country’s border crossings to assist deportees.
Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesman for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, said: “Around 94,000 families have been forcibly returned to Afghanistan from Iran and Pakistan since the beginning of the current solar year.”
As the deportation of Afghans from neighboring countries continues, providing shelter and livelihood opportunities for hundreds of thousands of returnees remains among the challenges facing the Afghan government.