Nearly 450,000 Afghans Return from Iran Since June Amid Forced Deportations: IOM

Nearly 450,000 Afghans Return from Iran Since June Amid Forced Deportations: IOM
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Since June 1, about 449,218 Afghans have returned from Iran following Tehran’s order that undocumented Afghans leave by July 6, Arab News reported. The total returns this year have reached over 906,000. Tens of thousands crossed the border in the days before the deadline, creating an emergency at border points like Islam Qala, which saw over 43,000 crossings on July 1.

Iran’s directive affects up to four million Afghans living there. The demographics of returnees have shifted from mostly men to entire families, with 25% being children, many arriving with few belongings or money. UNICEF and IOM report that border facilities are overwhelmed, prompting emergency measures to improve water, sanitation, vaccinations, and child-friendly spaces.

Returnees face pressure, arrests, and deportation in Iran, causing fear and hardship. Aid cuts have hampered crisis response, and the UN warns the mass return could destabilize Afghanistan, urging against forced deportations and calling for increased funding to support returnees.