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Afghanistan: 373 migrant families repatriated from Pakistan, Iran in single day

Amid increasing deportations of Afghan migrants from neighboring countries, 373 families returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan and Iran on Friday.

According to the Taliban-run refugees ministry, 47 families returned from Pakistan, while 316 came back from Iran.

Of the families returning from Pakistan, 27 entered through the Torkham border crossing, and 20 through Spin Boldak. From Iran, 236 families crossed into Afghanistan via the Islam Qala border, while 90 families used the Silk Road route.

Afghan migrants in both Pakistan and Iran face mounting challenges as authorities in both countries intensify efforts to deport those without proper documentation. Iranian media reported that a senior official in Tehran emphasized that no country allows undocumented foreign nationals to remain, adding that Iran would continue deporting Afghan migrants in line with this policy.

In Pakistan, Federal Minister Amir Muqam, speaking at a refugee camp, urged the international community, the United Nations, and the Taliban to cooperate in facilitating the return of Afghan migrants. He also mentioned that the Pakistani government is looking into expanding the Proof of Registration (POR) cards for Afghan migrants, which allow temporary legal status.

The increasing deportations come as Afghanistan grapples with a worsening economic and humanitarian crisis under the Taliban’s rule, leaving many returnees facing uncertain futures.