- Afghan returnees from Iran face serious challenges like homelessness and unemployment.
- TOLO News reports that returnees are seeking urgent help from the government.
- UNHCR warns of an unprecedented humanitarian need for 1.4 million returnees.
- Around 38,000 Afghan migrants are reportedly deported daily from Iran.
- Activists stress that supporting migrants is a humanitarian responsibility.
Challenges Faced by Afghan Returnees from Iran
Emerging reports show that Afghan returnees deported from Iran are grappled with severe hardships including homelessness and unemployment. According to TOLO News, these returnees are calling on the caretaker government for urgent assistance, emphasizing that the painful experience of exile should not be compounded by struggle at home. With no resource or shelter, many of these individuals find themselves in dire scenarios, as illustrated by the story of Mohammad Sharif, a returnee who shared, “We are currently lost, unsure of where to go or stay. We truly feel abandoned.”
Migration Policies in Pakistan and Their Impact
The situation is complicated further by ongoing issues surrounding migration policies in Pakistan. The Pakistani government is currently reviewing the extension of Proof of Registration (PoR) cards for Afghan migrants, preventing authorities from taking action against PoR holders until a decision is made. Afghan migrants in Pakistan express concerns about police actions targeting those with PoR cards, creating additional challenges. As stated by Malak Awal Shinwari, migrants are facing undue hardships from police enforcement, which should ideally protect PoR holders rather than penalize them.
UNHCR’s Call for Immediate Humanitarian Aid
Highlighting the broader humanitarian crisis, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has reported an alarming need for emergency aid. With over 1.4 million Afghans returning or being forced to return in just this year, the situation is becoming dire. The UNHCR stated they are seeking immediate funding to support these returnees, especially since many have come from Iran. Further complicating the scenario is a report from Iranian media about continuous deportations, where around 38,000 Afghan migrants are reportedly being expelled daily through the Dogharoon border. Activist Nazar Nazari urged international cooperation to aid these migrants, stressing that supporting them is a moral obligation.
In summary, the plight of Afghan returnees from Iran continues to worsen as they face homelessness and joblessness. Reports highlight the urgent need for the caretaker government to respond diligently to their struggles. Moreover, the involvement of the international community is crucial to ensure the safety and support of displaced Afghans, particularly in light of the ongoing crises and the alarming rate of deportations from neighboring Iran.
