Over 5.2 million Afghan migrants returned home in 2025: IFRC
More than 5.2 million individuals returned to Afghanistan from neighbouring Iran and Pakistan between January and the end of November 2025, including over 1.3 million deportees, marking an unprecedented movement of people that has further strained a country already facing a severe humanitarian crisis, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said in a report.
Of the total, more than 3.6 million individuals returned from Iran, including around 1.2 million who were deported, while about 804,830 returned from Pakistan, of whom 116,100 – roughly 14% – were forcibly removed, according to data compiled by humanitarian partners and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Returns accelerated sharply after April 1, coinciding with tightened enforcement measures in both countries. Aid agencies said the scale and persistence of returns have remained high despite winter conditions that typically limit cross-border movement, particularly along Iran’s border, indicating that policy pressure and protection concerns are outweighing seasonal constraints.
In Pakistan, the second phase of the government’s Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP) began in April 2025, initially targeting undocumented Afghans and holders of Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC). On July 31, authorities expanded the plan to include Proof of Registration (PoR) card holders, increasing uncertainty for Afghan refugees and migrants.
The expiry of a grace period at the end of August intensified fears of deportation, with returns continuing despite warnings from humanitarian groups about protection risks.
According to the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS), the highest daily influx of returnees from Pakistan was recorded in November 2025. Most crossed through the official border points of Torkham in Nangarhar province and Spin Boldak in Kandahar, with smaller numbers arriving via Angur Ada in Paktika and unofficial routes in Helmand.
Returns from Iran accounted for nearly two-thirds of all Afghan returnees in 2025 and remained substantial throughout the year, reflecting stricter enforcement and broader economic and political pressures.
Aid agencies said significant numbers crossed at key border points such as Islam Qala in Herat and Milak–Zaranj in Nimroz, often arriving with few belongings. The peak in returns occurred mid-year, driven in part by the expiry of temporary residency arrangements and intensified policing, with tens of thousands reported to be crossing daily during earlier phases.
Although daily crossings declined after the mid-year peak, returns continued at scale into late 2025, adding pressure to already overstretched reception facilities and host communities.
In Tajikistan, borders remain open only to Afghan nationals holding valid passports and visas. However, humanitarian organisations report ongoing arbitrary deportations, including of recognised refugees and asylum-seekers, raising concerns about violations of international protection standards and heightening anxiety within the Afghan community.
Aid agencies warned that Afghanistan is struggling to absorb the influx amid widespread poverty, food insecurity and limited access to shelter, healthcare and employment. Women, children, unaccompanied minors and people with specific protection needs are among those most at risk.
Humanitarian groups have urged increased international funding and stronger protection measures, warning that continued large-scale returns could deepen instability and trigger further displacement if support for reintegration remains inadequate.
