Archive · 5 Jun 2025
Mass Deportations: Pakistan and Iran Send Afghans Back to Afghanistan
Many Afghan families are being sent back to Afghanistan from Pakistan and Iran.
Pakistan has deported over 200,000 people since April, and Iran is also increasing deportations.
The deportations are mostly targeting those without proper documents.
These countries are doing this because of security worries and because many Afghans don't have the right paperwork.
Afghanistan is already struggling with problems, and these returning families make it harder for the country.
The UN is worried because Afghanistan doesn't have enough resources to help everyone.
People are losing their homes, their work, and their ability to support themselves.
Over 200,000 Afghans have been deported from Pakistan since April.
Iran has also increased deportations, with over 15,000 families deported in May.
The deportations are primarily targeting undocumented migrants.
Pakistan has revoked the residency documents of over 800,000 Afghans.
The IOM and Taliban are concerned about Afghanistan's ability to handle the influx of returnees.
- Who
- Afghan nationals, the governments of Pakistan and Iran, and the IOM.
- What
- A large number of Afghans are being deported from Pakistan and Iran to Afghanistan.
- When
- Since April 2024.
- Where
- From Pakistan and Iran to Afghanistan.
- Why
- Pakistan and Iran are deporting Afghans due to security concerns, lack of documentation, and rising tensions.
Afghan Nationals
Pakistan/Iran Governments
Justification for Deportations
Afghan Nationals
Afghan families express concerns about losing their dignity and livelihoods, leaving behind homes and jobs.
Pakistan/Iran Governments
Pakistan and Iran cite security concerns and lack of documentation as justification for deportations.
Managing the Influx
Afghan Nationals
Humanitarian agencies highlight Afghanistan's inadequate infrastructure to support the large influx of returnees.
Pakistan/Iran Governments
Governments focus on national security and controlling borders.
- Afghans deported from Pakistan since April
- Over 200,000
- Afghan families deported from Iran in May
- 15,675
- Deportation drive in Pakistan began
- November 2023
- Afghans in Pakistan with revoked residency documents
- 800,000+
- Approximate number of Afghan refugees in Pakistan
- 3 million
- Deadline for undocumented Afghans to leave Iran
- July 6
