The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has reported that more than 2.26 million people from Afghanistan have returned from Iran and Pakistan since the beginning of 2025. Between April 1 and August 12 alone, 1.54 million individuals crossed back into Afghanistan from Iran. However, Iran’s Interior Minister, Eskandar Momeni, placed the number closer to 1.2 million.
According to the UNHCR, 329,400 people also returned from Pakistan during the same period. Among these returnees, 65% lacked documentation, while 16% held Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC), 14% had Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, and 3% were registered refugees.
The report indicates that many returnees from Iran cited discrimination, harassment, and unpaid wages as reasons for their departure. Border crossings are reportedly overwhelmed due to the sheer volume of returnees and limited resources.
The UN also noted that migrants from Afghanistan in Iran continue to face challenges accessing essential services. Barriers include opening bank accounts, enrolling children in schools, and acquiring SIM cards. Educational discrimination was also reported, with certain residency statuses prioritized and some Afghan students charged higher fees than their Iranian peers. Access to the labor market is reportedly becoming more restricted, even for those with legal documents.
In Pakistan, Afghan migrants—including PoR cardholders—have faced arrests in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. While some have been released following legal aid or payment of unofficial fines, others have been deported.
Simultaneously, the UN confirmed that 1,300 people were forcibly returned from Tajikistan since April 1.
