Since the beginning of this solar year, more than 635,000 Afghan migrants have been forcibly expelled from Iran and Pakistan. This alarming statistic reflects the increasing pressure on Afghan migrants in these two countries and indicates serious challenges for those returning to Afghanistan.
Challenges of Returning Home
Many of the expelled individuals express dissatisfaction with the lack of adequate time to gather their belongings. Zakir, one of the expelled migrants, says: "They did not allow us to live there, even warning that they would destroy our homes." These statements depict the difficult and vulnerable situation of these individuals after years of residing in host countries.
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For families returning to Afghanistan, restarting life is not easy. Migration experts consider issues related to employment, shelter, and access to services as the main needs of returnees. Mohammad Khan Talebi Mohammadzai, an activist in the field of migration, points to the pressures resulting from the large-scale return of migrants on the job market and housing, stating: "The Afghan government must immediately create a joint mechanism among relevant agencies for the registration of housing, employment, and integration of returnees."
Citizens' Requests from Host Countries
In Kabul, some citizens have asked host countries to treat Afghan migrants more humanely and appropriately. Mohammad Halim, a resident of Kabul, has requested that Pakistan regularly expel migrants back to their country, considering the current situation in Afghanistan. Additionally, Ilham, another citizen, has asked Iran and Pakistan to delay the expulsion of Afghan migrants until the end of winter.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has also announced that a specific mechanism has been established to address the expelled individuals at the country's crossings. Hamdullah Fetrat, the deputy spokesman for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, stated: "About 94,000 families have been forcibly expelled from Iran and Pakistan to Afghanistan since the beginning of this solar year."
Challenges Facing the Afghan Government
As the expulsion of Afghans from neighboring countries continues, providing housing and livelihood opportunities for hundreds of thousands remains one of the major challenges for the Afghan government. This situation not only affects the individual lives of these migrants but also puts pressure on the social and economic structure of the country, highlighting the need for urgent and effective measures.
In these circumstances, the necessity for cooperation between host countries and the Afghan government to better manage the situation of migrants and provide suitable living opportunities is increasingly felt. The return to homeland for these migrants must be accompanied by respect for their human rights and dignity, so they can reintegrate into their society and start a new life.
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