The Return of Millions of Afghans From Pakistan and Iran Pushes Afghanistan to the Brink, UN Warns
Mass returns strain fragile systems as aid groups call for urgent international support
A Sudden Shift in Regional Migration
The return of millions of Afghans from neighboring countries has placed Afghanistan under renewed pressure at a time when its institutions remain weak and its economy fragile. The United Nations has warned that the scale and speed of returns from Pakistan and Iran risk pushing communities across Afghanistan beyond their coping capacity.
For decades, both countries hosted Afghan refugees who fled conflict, political instability, and economic hardship. Many had lived abroad for years, building families and livelihoods outside their country of origin. Recent policy changes, economic strains, and security concerns in host countries have accelerated departures, resulting in a sharp rise in return movements.
While returns are not new, the current wave stands out for its scale. Border crossings have seen thousands of individuals arriving daily, often with limited belongings and uncertain prospects.
Pressure on a Fragile Economy
Afghanistan’s economy has struggled since the political transition of 2021. Reduced international assistance, financial isolation, and limited access to global markets have constrained public spending and private investment. Employment opportunities remain scarce, particularly in urban areas.
The arrival of large numbers of returnees intensifies competition for jobs, housing, and basic services. Many families return to provinces where infrastructure was already limited. Without adequate support, local labor markets may not absorb the sudden increase in workers.
According to assessments cited by the United Nations, communities receiving returnees face higher risks of food insecurity and debt. Remittances from abroad once helped sustain many households. With families returning, that source of income often declines or disappears.
Strain on Public Services
Healthcare, education, and water systems in Afghanistan were under strain before the recent returns. Clinics report shortages of medicine and staff. Schools in several provinces operate in shifts due to limited classroom space.
The influx of returnees increases demand for these services. Children who spent years outside the country may lack documentation needed for school enrollment. Health screenings at border crossings identify cases of malnutrition and untreated illness, adding to the workload of local providers.
Water and sanitation systems in rural areas are particularly vulnerable. In some districts, wells and community pumps already serve large populations. An increase in residents can lead to shortages and heightened risk of disease.
Housing and Land Challenges
Access to shelter is among the most urgent concerns. Many returnees do not have homes to return to. Some left Afghanistan decades ago and no longer possess property. Others find their land occupied or disputed.
Temporary settlements have emerged near border points. Humanitarian agencies provide tents, blankets, and basic supplies, but these solutions are short term. Prolonged displacement within Afghanistan may create new informal settlements with limited services.
Land disputes can also generate tension within communities. Local authorities often lack clear records, making resolution difficult. Without effective mediation, disputes risk escalating.
Border Crossings and Immediate Needs
Major border crossings with Pakistan and Iran have become focal points for humanitarian response. Aid organizations distribute food, water, and hygiene kits to newly arrived families. Registration processes attempt to document arrivals and identify vulnerable individuals.
The scale of arrivals challenges coordination. At times, facilities designed for smaller flows must accommodate several times their intended capacity. Women, children, and elderly individuals may wait long hours in harsh conditions.
Humanitarian groups emphasize that initial assistance is only the first step. Sustainable reintegration requires longer-term planning that extends beyond border areas into communities of return.
Women and Children at Heightened Risk
Women and children represent a large share of returnees. Many face added risks, including limited access to education and healthcare. Female-headed households often struggle to secure income and housing.
Children who grew up abroad may face language barriers or difficulties adjusting to new social norms. Some have missed years of schooling due to displacement. Without targeted support, they risk falling further behind.
Protection concerns also arise during transit and settlement. Crowded conditions and economic stress can increase vulnerability to exploitation or early marriage. Aid agencies have called for dedicated protection services at border points and within receiving communities.
Regional Policies and Political Context
The governments of Pakistan and Iran have cited domestic economic pressures and security concerns as factors behind stricter migration policies. Both countries have hosted Afghan refugees for decades, providing access to work and basic services.
Recent enforcement measures have included documentation requirements and deadlines for departure. As a result, many Afghans have opted or been compelled to return. The situation reflects broader regional dynamics, where host countries balance humanitarian commitments with internal priorities.
For Afghanistan, managing returns requires cooperation with neighbors. Cross-border dialogue remains essential to ensure that movements are orderly and that returnees’ rights are respected.
International Funding Gaps
Humanitarian operations in Afghanistan face funding shortfalls. The UN and partner organizations have appealed for additional resources to support returnees and host communities.
Funding gaps limit the scale of assistance. Food distributions may reach fewer households than planned. Cash support programs, which allow families to prioritize their needs, often depend on donor contributions.
Without increased funding, aid groups warn that reintegration efforts will remain incomplete. The burden then shifts to communities that already face economic hardship.
Community Resilience and Local Responses
Despite constraints, local communities have shown resilience. Extended families often host returnees temporarily. Community leaders coordinate informal support networks, sharing food and shelter when possible.
Local civil society organizations also play a role. They assist with documentation, provide legal advice, and connect families to services. However, these groups operate with limited resources and depend on external funding.
Sustainable reintegration requires strengthening local institutions. Investments in infrastructure, job creation, and education benefit both returnees and long-term residents.
Long-Term Reintegration Strategies
Short-term aid addresses immediate needs, but long-term stability depends on broader economic recovery. Programs that create employment opportunities are critical. Public works initiatives can improve infrastructure while providing income.
Agriculture remains a key sector. Supporting farmers with seeds, tools, and irrigation can boost food production and livelihoods. Vocational training programs may help returnees adapt skills gained abroad to local markets.
Access to documentation is another priority. Identity papers enable individuals to enroll in school, access healthcare, and seek formal employment. Streamlined processes reduce barriers to participation in public life.
Risks of Secondary Displacement
If reintegration fails, some returnees may attempt to migrate again. Secondary displacement can occur within Afghanistan or across borders. Such movements create additional humanitarian needs and complicate planning.
Urban areas may experience population growth as families seek employment. Without adequate housing and services, urban poverty can deepen. Preventing secondary displacement requires coordinated policies that address root causes of instability.
A Call for Coordinated Action
The UN has emphasized that the return of millions of Afghans is not solely a national issue. Regional and international actors share responsibility. Support from donors, development banks, and neighboring states remains essential.
Coordination among agencies helps avoid duplication and ensures that assistance reaches those most in need. Data collection and monitoring allow policymakers to adjust programs based on evolving conditions.
Afghanistan’s path forward depends on stability, economic opportunity, and sustained engagement from the international community. The scale of current returns underscores the urgency of comprehensive solutions.
Conclusion
The large-scale return of Afghans from Pakistan and Iran marks a significant moment for a country already under strain. Communities must absorb new arrivals despite limited resources and uncertain economic prospects.
Warnings from the United Nations highlight the risk that without adequate support, Afghanistan could face deeper humanitarian challenges. Addressing immediate needs while investing in long-term resilience will determine whether return becomes a foundation for recovery or a trigger for further crisis.
About the Creator
Saad
I’m Saad. I’m a passionate writer who loves exploring trending news topics, sharing insights, and keeping readers updated on what’s happening around the world.
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