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4.8 Million Afghan Migrants Return in Historic Population Surge

More than 4.8 million Afghan migrants have returned to Afghanistan since late 2023, marking one of the largest return movements in recent years and increasing the country's population by an estimated 12%. The UNHCR representative highlighted that over half of the returnees are women and children, with 30% of returning families headed by women, raising profound humanitarian concerns. He criticized the expulsion practices of neighboring countries like Pakistan and Iran, warning they damage long-standing refugee hosting records. The UN is urging all parties to return to dialogue to ensure voluntary and dignified returns that support Afghanistan's stability.

Key Points: 4.8 Million Afghan Migrants Return, Population Up 12%

  • 4.8 million returns since 2023
  • 12% population increase
  • Over 50% returnees are women & children
  • 30% of returning families female-headed
  • UN urges dialogue on forced deportations
3 min read

Over 4.8 million Afghan migrants return since 2023, population rises 12%: UNHCR

UNHCR reports over 4.8 million Afghan migrants returned since 2023, a 12% population rise, raising major humanitarian concerns.

"The numbers are huge... this is around 12% of the total population. - Arafat Jamal"

Kabul, January 29

More than 4.8 million Afghan migrants have returned to Afghanistan since December 2023, leading to a population increase of approximately 12 per cent, as the country experiences one of the largest return movements in recent years.

Explaining the scale of the influx, UNHCR Representative Arafat Jamal told Tolo News that arrivals have surged to unprecedented levels, with tens of thousands crossing borders daily during peak periods.

Highlighting the scale, he noted that on one working day during the summer alone, 70,000 people entered Afghanistan through the Islam Qala border.

According to Jamal, 91 per cent of returnees have since been relocated to their home provinces, while others have begun rebuilding their lives in major cities.

Arafat Jamal, UNHCR Representative, stated, "The numbers are huge. Since September 2023, which is when we saw the beginning of the so-called illegal foreigners repatriation plan by Pakistan, we have seen 4.8 million Afghans return to this country from both Pakistan and Iran.

"And if we look at 2025 alone, it's 2.7 million. If you look at the number of 4.8 million, this is around 12% of the total population of Afghanistan. So it's increased by 12% of its population."

Beyond the scale of returns, Jamal highlighted growing humanitarian concerns, noting that 30 per cent of returning families are headed by women, and that more than half of all returnees are women and children, Tolo News reported.

Jamal added, "More than 50% of the returnees are women and children. This is deeply concerning.

"I personally feel distressed when I see a 12-year-old girl returning to Afghanistan, uncertain about what her future will look like."

Addressing regional dynamics, Jamal criticised the manner in which Afghan migrants are being expelled from Iran and Pakistan, warning that such practices undermine efforts to build constructive relations with Afghanistan.

He urged both countries not to damage their long-standing record of hosting Afghan refugees, according to Tolo News.

He further revealed that the United Nations had invited stakeholders to engage in dialogue over forced deportations, but those efforts failed to materialise.

Arafat Jamal explained, "This year, we once again tried to bring parties to the table for dialogue. However, due to various reasons, including the war in Israel and other political matters, they did not engage in talks. Iran recently hosted a conference which Afghanistan did not attend, but we still sent invitations urging all parties to return to the dialogue table. We encourage them to do so. In dialogue, there is nothing to lose but much to gain."

He added that UNHCR's mission in Afghanistan remains focused on ensuring the voluntary, dignified, and orderly return of Afghan migrants, while also helping returnees contribute to peace, stability, and economic development in the country, Tolo News reported.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While my heart goes out to the refugees, this sudden influx of 12% population will put immense strain on Afghanistan's resources. Pakistan and Iran's method of forced deportation is wrong, but they have hosted millions for decades. The international community, not just neighbors, needs to step up with aid and a long-term plan. India can play a constructive role here.
A
Aman W
The scale is mind-boggling. 70,000 people in a single day at one border crossing? 🤯 This will have serious security and economic implications for the entire region. Hope the Taliban administration is prepared to handle this. Dialogue is crucial, as the UNHCR rep said. Forced returns solve nothing.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked with NGOs, the statistic about 30% of families being headed by women is particularly alarming. These women will face immense challenges in a society with restricted rights. The global focus is elsewhere, but this deserves urgent attention and funding for shelter, food, and livelihoods.
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Vikram M
Respectfully, while the criticism of Pakistan and Iran is valid, the UNHCR representative's statement feels a bit naive. "In dialogue, there is nothing to lose"? When the host countries have clearly made a political decision to expel people, dialogue alone won't stop it. We need concrete pressure and actionable support plans on the ground, not just invitations to talk.
K
Karthik V
This is a direct result of the political instability in the region for decades. The common Afghan citizen is always the one who suffers the most. India has development projects in Afghanistan; hopefully,

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