Iran Deports Over 70,000 Afghans in One Week as Humanitarian Concerns Grow

Iran Deports Over 70,000 Afghans in One Week as Humanitarian Concerns Grow
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More than 70,000 Afghan migrants were deported from Iran between July 19 and July 25, according to figures released by the Taliban-run Commission for Refugee Affairs, as reported by Amu TV. A total of 70,830 Afghans were expelled via the Islam Qala crossing in Herat province and the Silk Bridge in Nimroz.

During the same period, Pakistan deported 2,690 Afghan nationals—both forcibly and voluntarily—through the Torkham, Spin Boldak, and Angoor Ada border crossings. The surge in deportations has alarmed international humanitarian groups.

Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, warned that more than 1.5 million Afghans have returned from Iran in recent months, many lacking shelter or basic resources. “The humanitarian system is on the brink of collapse—just as critical funding has been slashed,” he said.

Iranian authorities have issued a September deadline for undocumented Afghans to leave or face arrest and forced deportation. Aid organizations say ongoing expulsions could worsen Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis, where over 22 million people already rely on assistance.

Egeland called for an immediate halt to forced returns and urged increased international support for both Afghan refugees and neighboring host countries. Rights groups have also criticized Pakistan’s deportation measures, citing lack of due process.