IOM resumes operations in Kabul following two-year suspension

KABUL (Khaama Press): The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has recently reestablished its presence in Kabul, marking a significant development two years after its closure. The reopening of the office took place and is located at Kabul Airport, facilitating smoother operations. According to the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, returning migrants arriving on inbound flights will now undergo a registration process upon their arrival in Kabul. While the specifics are yet to be clarified, there is ongoing speculation about whether the IOM will extend financial assistance to the repatriating Afghan individuals. The IOM’s Kabul office had experienced substantial damage during the withdrawal of US troops. However, since then, considerable efforts have been made to restore the office to its functional state. Amidst the suspension of aid organizations, another notable shift has emerged in the relief scenario within Afghanistan. The once-steady flow of financial assistance from the United Nations and various aid organizations to Afghanistan has experienced a substantial decline. Recent reports reveal that in 2023, these contributions have decreased by a staggering 1.4 billion dollars compared to the preceding period, underscoring a concerning deterioration in international financial support amid the ongoing upheavals. While the resumption of the International Organization for Migration offers a promising outlook for aiding returnees, the simultaneous reduction in aid initiatives underscores the challenges still confronting the country.