Over 1.5 Million Afghan Refugees Return Home Amid Challenges

More than 1.5 million Afghan refugees have returned to their homeland from neighboring countries Pakistan and Iran over the past year, according to Khalil Rahman Haqqani, the acting minister of refugee affairs. The Afghan caretaker government has been actively encouraging Afghan migrants living abroad to return home and contribute to the rebuilding of their war-torn country.

Why this matters: The successful reintegration of these returnees is vital for Afghanistan's long-term stability and economic growth, as they can bring new skills and perspectives to the country. Moreover, the international community's response to this influx will set a precedent for handling future refugee crises. Moreover, the international community's response to this influx will set a precedent for handling future refugee crises.

Haqqani stated that 1 million refugees have returned from Iran, while 600,000 refugees have returned from Pakistan. The returns took place from March 21, 2023, to March 19, 2024, according to the Persian calendar (1402). The acting minister assured that many facilities are being provided in temporary camps for migrants, and they are being transferred safely to their provinces.

A hospital in the migrant camp in Gardez, constructed by UNHCR at a cost of $375,000 US dollars, will be completed and operational in the next six months. However, the returning refugees face significant challenges as they seek to reintegrate into Afghan society. Most of the newly returned migrants have asked the caretaker government for permanent shelter and job opportunities.

Noor Khan, an expelled migrant from Pakistan, emphasized, "Many of the returnees do not have land, and land should be distributed to them." Jawid, another expelled migrant from Pakistan, added, "Work and educational opportunities for returning migrants should be equalized." The large influx of returnees has put pressure on the Afghan government to provide adequate support and resources to help them rebuild their lives.

Haqqani also expressed concern over the poor treatment of Afghan migrants in countries like Iran and Pakistan, urging them to stop harassing and mistreating them. "Here, the ambassadors and chargés d'affaires of the two countries, whom we have repeatedly asked, have made pledges to us and we have shared this with the representatives who have come," he stated.

The return of over 1.5 million Afghan refugees to their homeland is a demonstration of their desire to rebuild their lives and contribute to the future of Afghanistan. However, the challenges they face are immense, and it will require sustained efforts from the Afghan government and international community to ensure their successful reintegration and provide them with the necessary support and opportunities.

As Afghanistan continues to cope with the aftermath of decades of conflict and instability, the return of these refugees represents both a challenge and an opportunity. With the right policies and investments in education, healthcare, and economic development, the Afghan government can harness the potential of these returnees to build a more stable and prosperous future for all Afghans. "Work and educational opportunities for returning migrants should be equalized,"Jawid reiterated, highlighting the critical need for comprehensive support for the returning refugees.

Key Takeaways

• 1.5 million Afghan refugees returned from Pakistan and Iran in the past year.
• 1 million refugees returned from Iran, 600,000 from Pakistan.
• Returnees face challenges, seeking permanent shelter and job opportunities.
• Afghan government urges Iran and Pakistan to stop mistreating Afghan migrants.
• Successful reintegration of returnees crucial for Afghanistan's stability and growth.