What's happened
Since October 2023, 5.4 million Afghans have returned from Pakistan and Iran due to border expulsions, economic hardship, and natural disasters. The scale of returns has strained Afghanistan's already fragile resources, raising concerns about sustainability and humanitarian impact amid ongoing crises.
What's behind the headline?
The rapid increase in Afghan returnees highlights the complex interplay of regional border policies, economic desperation, and environmental crises. The border expulsions, driven by Pakistan and Iran, are not voluntary migrations but forced relocations that exacerbate Afghanistan's humanitarian crisis. The country's weak economy, compounded by drought and earthquakes, cannot support the influx, leading to negative coping mechanisms like debt and food insecurity. The UN's underfunded support efforts threaten to deepen the crisis, risking a cycle of displacement and instability. This situation underscores the urgent need for coordinated regional solutions and increased humanitarian aid to prevent further deterioration.
What the papers say
The New Arab, The Independent, AP News, Reuters all report on the scale of returns and the regional border crackdowns. The New Arab emphasizes the humanitarian crisis and the environmental challenges, while The Independent highlights the social and economic strain within Afghanistan. AP News and Reuters focus on the regional border policies and the underfunding of aid efforts, illustrating a consensus on the severity of the crisis but differing in emphasis—some on regional policies, others on internal Afghan struggles. The articles collectively portray a picture of a region under immense pressure, with border expulsions fueling a humanitarian emergency that requires urgent international attention.
How we got here
The mass return of Afghans began after Pakistan and Iran launched crackdowns in late 2023, expelling migrants without documents. Afghanistan, already facing economic hardship, drought, and natural disasters, has seen a significant influx of returnees, many lacking civil documentation and living on less than $5 a day. The UNHCR estimates that 2.9 million returned in 2025, with ongoing arrivals this year adding pressure to the country's resources and social fabric.
Go deeper
- What are the long-term solutions for Afghan displacement?
- How are Pakistan and Iran responding to international criticism?
- What role can international aid play in stabilizing Afghanistan?
Common question
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Why Are So Many People Returning to Afghanistan Now?
Since late 2023, Afghanistan has seen a significant increase in returnees, with over 5.4 million people coming back from neighboring countries like Pakistan and Iran. This mass migration is driven by border crackdowns, economic hardship, and regional instability. But what does this mean for Afghanistan and the wider region? Below, we explore the key questions about this ongoing crisis and its implications.
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Why Are So Many Afghans Returning from Pakistan and Iran?
Since late 2023, Afghanistan has seen a significant surge in returnees from neighboring countries like Pakistan and Iran. This mass movement is driven by border crackdowns, economic hardship, and natural disasters. Many Afghans are returning without proper documentation, facing tough conditions upon arrival. This raises questions about the causes of this return surge, its impact on Afghanistan, and what is being done to manage the crisis. Below, we explore the key issues surrounding this ongoing migration crisis.
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How Do Regional Conflicts Like Iran-US Talks Impact Global Security?
Regional conflicts such as the Iran-US nuclear negotiations have far-reaching effects beyond their borders. These talks influence international stability, economic markets, and regional power dynamics. Understanding how these negotiations unfold and their broader implications can help you grasp the current state of global security. Below, we explore key questions about regional conflicts, peace negotiations, and their worldwide impact.
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How Do Strikes and Migration Impact Society and Economy?
Recent events like the San Francisco teachers' strike and the mass return of Afghan migrants highlight how strikes and migration can shape local economies and social stability. Curious about how these disruptions influence policy, communities, and long-term development? Below, we explore common questions to understand these complex issues better.
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How Do Natural Disasters and Economic Crises Cause Humanitarian Emergencies?
Recent events have shown how natural disasters, economic hardship, and border policies can lead to large-scale human crises. From the surge of Afghan returnees to the impact of climate-related disasters, these issues are interconnected and urgent. Curious about how these factors influence each other and what can be done? Below are some common questions and clear answers to help you understand these complex challenges.
More on these topics
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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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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.
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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 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