Millions of Afghans Return Home: Pakistan & Iran Deportations Fuel Crisis

A large-scale return of Afghan nationals from neighboring countries is underway, placing significant strain on an already fragile Afghanistan. Since October 2023, approximately 5.4 million Afghans have been repatriated, primarily from Pakistan and Iran, according to Arafat Jamal, UNHCR’s Afghanistan representative.

The Scale of Repatriation

The speed and volume of returns are described as “massive” by Jamal, who stated the situation has pushed Afghanistan “almost to the brink.” Pakistan initiated a campaign in 2023 requesting undocumented foreigners to voluntarily return home to avoid arrest and deportation. Iran followed suit with its own expulsions around the same time.

Did You Know? In 2025, Pakistani authorities began revoking residency permits and deporting individuals who possessed valid documentation.

Reports indicate that in Pakistan, Afghans were labelled as “terrorists” and “criminals.” The situation has impacted long-term residents, including individuals born in Pakistan who have established businesses and lives there. Analysts suggest these expulsions were, in part, intended to pressure the Taliban authorities, whom Pakistan accused of supporting increasing attacks along the countries’ shared border.

Experiences of Those Returning

Afghan refugees in Pakistan reported experiencing arbitrary arrests, extortion, and harassment from Pakistani authorities. The influx has been substantial, with 2.9 million people entering Afghanistan in 2023 alone, and an additional 150,000 arriving so far this year. Collectively, these returnees represent 12 percent of Afghanistan’s total population.

Expert Insight: The large-scale, rapid repatriation of a population – particularly one facing pre-existing humanitarian challenges – creates immense logistical and economic pressures on the receiving country. The Taliban’s limited resources are now further stretched, potentially exacerbating existing vulnerabilities.

The Taliban government has criticized the deportations. Currently, the Taliban is providing returning families with small packages containing food, cash, a SIM card, and transportation to areas where they may have family connections. However, this assistance is insufficient to address the broader economic challenges facing Afghanistan, which is already grappling with a weak economy, severe drought, and the aftermath of multiple earthquakes.

Looking Ahead

The UNHCR’s Arafat Jamal expressed concern about the high number of returnees, particularly with the onset of winter and the harsh conditions it brings – including freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall across much of the country. Jamal noted that 5 percent of those who have returned intend to leave Afghanistan again, and over 10 percent know someone in their community who has already re-departed after returning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the recent wave of Afghan repatriations?

Pakistan initiated a campaign requesting undocumented foreigners to return home, and Iran began similar expulsions around the same time. Later, Pakistan also began deporting individuals with valid documentation.

What is the current situation in Afghanistan regarding the influx of returnees?

Afghanistan is facing significant strain due to the arrival of 5.4 million returnees since October 2023, representing 12 percent of the country’s population. The Taliban is providing limited assistance, but the country is already struggling with a humanitarian crisis and economic hardship.

What concerns have been raised about the future?

Concerns have been raised about the impact of winter conditions on the returnees, and reports indicate some are already planning to leave Afghanistan again.

How might the international community respond to the growing humanitarian needs in Afghanistan as a result of these large-scale returns?