What's happened
Since June, nearly 450,000 Afghans have returned from Iran due to a government order for undocumented migrants to leave by July 6. This influx adds to the 1.4 million Afghans already returned this year, raising concerns about Afghanistan's stability amid ongoing humanitarian crises and economic challenges.
What's behind the headline?
Humanitarian Crisis Intensifies
- The mass return of Afghans is exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, where over half the population relies on aid.
- The UN has warned that the influx could destabilize the country, which is grappling with entrenched poverty and unemployment.
Regional Implications
- The deportations from Iran and Pakistan reflect a growing trend of regional countries tightening their borders against Afghan migrants, driven by national security concerns.
- The Taliban's call for a 'dignified' return contrasts sharply with the harsh realities faced by returnees, many of whom arrive with little more than the clothes on their backs.
Future Outlook
- Without significant international support, the situation for returnees is likely to worsen, leading to increased instability in Afghanistan and potentially prompting further migration towards Europe.
What the papers say
According to The New Arab, nearly 450,000 Afghans returned from Iran since June, with many citing pressure from authorities and fears of deportation. The UNHCR reported that over 1.2 million Afghans have returned this year, with more than half from Iran. Al Jazeera highlighted the humanitarian implications, noting that many returnees arrive exhausted and in need of basic necessities. Meanwhile, AP News emphasized the impact of Iran's crackdown on undocumented migrants, which has intensified amid the ongoing conflict with Israel. The situation is compounded by Pakistan's similar deportation efforts, as reported by multiple sources, raising alarms about the potential for further destabilization in Afghanistan.
How we got here
The situation escalated after Iran's government mandated undocumented Afghans to leave by July 6, 2025. This order followed a broader crackdown on illegal migrants, coinciding with rising tensions due to the Iran-Israel conflict. Many Afghans, fleeing war and poverty, had sought refuge in Iran for years.
Go deeper
- What are the conditions like for returnees in Afghanistan?
- How is the international community responding to this crisis?
- What support is available for Afghans returning home?
Common question
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What Challenges Are Afghan Refugees Facing in Iran?
The plight of Afghan refugees in Iran has become increasingly dire amid escalating geopolitical tensions and systemic discrimination. As thousands flee back to Afghanistan, many are left wondering about the challenges they face and the support available to them. This page explores the current situation of Afghan refugees in Iran and what can be done to improve their circumstances.
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What Challenges Do Returning Afghan Refugees Face in 2025?
As over 1.2 million Afghans return home from Iran and Pakistan, many are met with significant challenges. The situation raises questions about the impact on Afghanistan's stability, the economy, and the humanitarian needs of returnees. Here are some common questions regarding this pressing issue.
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What are the humanitarian implications of mass deportations of Afghans?
The mass deportations of over 1.2 million Afghans from Iran and Pakistan have raised urgent humanitarian concerns. As these individuals return to a country already facing a severe crisis, questions arise about their safety, the Taliban's response, and the conditions they encounter. This page explores the implications of these deportations and what can be done to support those affected.
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How Do Pakistan's Military Actions Impact Regional Stability?
Recent military actions by Pakistan against militants have raised significant concerns about regional stability, particularly in relation to India and Afghanistan. As tensions escalate, many are left wondering about the broader implications of these events. Below, we explore key questions surrounding the situation and its potential effects on the region.
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What is the current humanitarian crisis for Afghans returning from Iran and Pakistan?
As of July 2025, over 1.2 million Afghans have been forcibly returned from Iran and Pakistan due to government crackdowns on undocumented foreigners. This mass deportation raises urgent questions about the conditions these returnees face, the Taliban's response, and the broader humanitarian needs in Afghanistan. Below, we explore key questions surrounding this crisis.
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What are the global implications of the mass deportations of Afghans?
The mass deportations of Afghans from Iran and Pakistan have raised significant concerns about humanitarian crises and regional stability. With over 1.2 million Afghans forcibly returned, questions arise about the impact on Afghanistan's already fragile situation and the international community's response. Below, we explore key questions surrounding this pressing issue.
More on these topics
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Afghanistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country at the crossroads of Central and South Asia.
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Iran, also called Persia, and officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered to the northwest by Armenia and Azerbaijan, to the north by the Caspian Sea, to the northeast by Turkmenistan, to the east by Afghanistan a
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The Taliban or Taleban, who refer to themselves as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, are a Sunni Islamic fundamentalist political movement and military organization in Afghanistan currently waging war within that country.
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
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The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a United Nations agency mandated to aid and protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people, and to assist in their voluntary repatriation, local integration
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Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia. It is the world's fifth-most populous country with a population exceeding 212.2 million. It is the 33rd-largest country by area, spanning 881,913 square kilometres.