The United Nations, by announcing the return of nearly 2.7 million Afghan migrants to their homeland this year, has drawn global attention to the vulnerable situation of this population. "Georgette Gagnon," head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), examined the efforts of the organization and its partner institutions to assist migrants returning from Iran and Pakistan during a visit to the Islam Qala border crossing in Herat province.
Services Provided to Returnees
UNAMA has announced that between April and December 2026, about 2.7 million Afghan migrants will return from Iran and Pakistan to Afghanistan. Earlier this year, the organization prepared a financial plan worth $529 million to address the needs of returnees and has requested support. UN-affiliated agencies and humanitarian partners at the Islam Qala crossing provide services including healthcare, counseling, emergency assistance, and registration and referral of vulnerable families.
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Needs of Returnees and Challenges Ahead
UN officials emphasize that the needs of returnees do not end with their initial arrival. Many families, upon returning to their original living areas, require support to access shelter, education, healthcare services, and job opportunities. To this end, educational and empowerment programs, including English language training, computer skills, vocational training, and job market readiness programs, are offered to some returnees.
The United Nations has urged the Kabul government to provide greater support to returning migrants, their families, and host communities. The organization has also called on the international community to provide the necessary financial resources to continue humanitarian activities in Afghanistan.
Given the increasing pressure from the return of migrants and Afghanistan's limited resources, the United Nations has emphasized the need for financial assistance to support returnees and has called for immediate action in this regard. This situation highlights the significant challenges facing migrants and the urgent need for international support.
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