Pakistan Halts Afghan Visa Extensions, Hundreds Released Amid Mass Deportations

Pakistan has suspended visa extensions for all categories of Afghan refugees, revoking security clearances needed for renewal, impacting thousands of long-term residents with PoR and ACC cards, Khaama Press reported. This intensifies an ongoing crackdown, with over 1.3 million Afghans reportedly deported since November 2023, including some with valid documents.

Concurrently, the Taliban-run Ministry of Refugees reported the release of 193 Afghan migrants from Pakistani prisons in the last two days, returning via Spin Boldak. They were detained for lacking legal documents. Since April 1, 2025, over 84,000 Afghans have been expelled. Pakistan mandated that those without valid visas or ACCs leave by April 30, 2025, or face deportation.

The suspension of visa renewals could lead to further deportations, prompting warnings from the Afghanistan Refugee Council. Amnesty International and other rights groups condemn Pakistan’s policy as a violation of international law. International observers urge Pakistan to resume visa processing and avoid violating the principle of non-refoulement. The Afghan administration seeks international support for returning migrants.