Nearly 4,000 Afghan migrants return from Iran, says official

KABUL (Khaama Press): The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations in Afghanistan announced that 3,943 Afghan migrants were voluntarily and forcibly returned from Iran to the country.
According to the ministry, these migrants entered Afghanistan through the Islam Qala border crossing on Friday and Saturday.
The Ministry stated on its social media platform X that among the expelled migrants, 48 unaccompanied children were identified and referred to the International Organization for Migration for assistance with food and non-food items and to identify their families.
Recently, neighboring countries such as Iran and Pakistan have escalated their forced deportation efforts, particularly targeting Afghan migrants. This surge in deportations comes amidst a dire humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, exacerbated by ongoing conflict, economic instability, and political unrest.
With limited international donor funding available to support humanitarian efforts, neighboring countries have intensified their efforts to repatriate Afghan migrants, adding pressure to an already strained situation.
Many of the Afghan migrants being forcibly returned to Afghanistan lack basic amenities upon their arrival. These returnees often find themselves without adequate foodstuffs, shelters, clean water, and access to medical care.
For some returnees, the situation in Afghanistan poses significant security threats and risks to their well-being. Many returnees face uncertain futures and precarious living conditions as they struggle to find safety and stability in a country plagued by violence and instability.
The absence of adequate job opportunities further exacerbates their vulnerability, leaving them susceptible to exploitation and harm. In such circumstances, returnees may become targets for various armed groups, further jeopardizing their safety and security.