The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reported that in the past two weeks, the number of returnees to Afghanistan has exceeded the number of those leaving the country for various reasons.
According to the report, 86,678 people have returned to Afghanistan from Iran and Pakistan during this period, while 57,193 have left Afghanistan for other countries.
A part of the IOM report reads: “This week and last week saw sharp increases among inflow from the Islamic Republic of Iran. Main reasons for inflows from the Islamic Republic of Iran included deportation and voluntary return, but the increase may also be related to Afghan nationals returning after visiting the Islamic Republic of Iran for the Arbaeen religious holiday.”
At the same time, some Afghans in neighboring countries have expressed concerns about facing numerous challenges, including forced deportation.
“Recently, Afghans in Iran and Türkiye have faced many problems. When arrested by the police in Türkiye, they are taken to camps where they stay for months. They are not provided with good food or accommodation in these camps,” Ahmad Faisal, an Afghan national in Türkiye, told TOLOnews.
“For some time now, the situation for migrants in Iran has not been good. Unfortunately, many people, even those with documents, have been deported, and many without documents have also been deported,” said Omid Hasani, another Afghan national in Iran.
According to the report, these Afghans have traveled through the Islam Qala, Abu Nasr Farahi, Bahramcha, Spin Boldak, Ghulam Khan, Dand-e Patan, and Torkham crossings.
