In a significant development, over 80,000 Afghans made their way back to Afghanistan from Pakistan between April 1 and April 18, following the conclusion of a voluntary return deadline as reported by Pakistani officials.
Background on Afghan repatriation efforts
This wave of returns is part of a broader initiative that commenced in October 2023, aimed at addressing the presence of illegal immigrants in Pakistan. To date, this effort has resulted in the repatriation of nearly 904,000 Afghans, highlighting a substantial shift in the demographic landscape of both countries.
Humanitarian concerns for returnees
As these individuals return to their homeland, they are greeted by a deteriorating humanitarian situation. The UN refugee agency has raised alarms about the conditions many returnees face, stating that they arrive with urgent needs for assistance and services. In April alone, the total number of Afghans who returned from both Iran and Pakistan exceeded 251,000, which includes over 96,000 who were deported.
“The UNHCR is urgently appealing for €62.5 million to support those returning under increasingly difficult conditions,”
As pressure mounts on Afghanistan’s already strained resources and infrastructure, the international community’s response will be crucial in addressing the needs of these returnees and mitigating the ongoing humanitarian crisis.