Highlights
- 34 undocumented Afghans returned from Pakistan
- 2,411 undocumented Afghans returned from Iran
- 9,641 total returns from Pakistan since 1 January 2017
- 46,836 total returns from Iran since 1 January 2017
- 29% of returnees from Pakistan (10 individuals) assisted
- 3% of returnees from Iran (62 individuals) assisted
Situation Overview
IOM is responding to a substantial increase in the return of undocumented Afghans from Pakistan and Iran. Since 1 January 2016, over 748,000 undocumented Afghans have returned due to diverse push factors, including deteriorating protection space in Pakistan. Many of those returning have lived outside of Afghanistan for decades, and will need support from the government and humanitarian actors both on arrival and as they seek to reintegrate into a country already struggling with widespread conflict and displacement.
While returns have declined in line with seasonal trends during winter, previous surges in returns have been unpredictable and an estimated 1 million undocumented Afghans still remain in Pakistan. IOM is prepared to respond to increased needs and is appealing for additional funding to continue its emergency response programming.
Border Closures
Torkham and Spin Boldak borders have been closed since 17 February due to recent security incidents in Pakistan. The borders remain closed as of 4 March.
Islam Qala border with Iran has been closed since 6 February due to flooding. Heavy mud (10-15 cm) and water levels have affected border infrastructure. It is not yet clear when the border will be reopened. Milak border with Iran in Nimroz remains functional.
Returns from Pakistan
From 26 February to 4 March 2017, a total of 34 undocumented Afghans were deported from Pakistan through Torkham border (Nangarhar province), according to the Border Monitoring Team of the Directorate of Refugees and Repatriation (DoRR). No undocumented Afghans returned through Spin Boldak border in Kandahar province. This is an 89% decrease from the previous week, and brings the total number of undocumented Afghan returnees from Pakistan to 9,641 since 1 January 2017.
During the reporting period, IOM provided post-arrival assistance to 10 (29%) undocumented Afghan returnees from Pakistan, including one unaccompanied migrant child.
IOM has begun distributing shelters and winterization packages to vulnerable undocumented returnee families in Nangarhar province. A total of 134 families were assisted in the first distribution, which took place in Kuz Kunar district on 1 March, followed by 226 families in Rodat district on 2 March.
Returns from Iran
A total of 2,411 undocumented Afghans spontaneously returned or were deported from Iran through Milak border crossing in Nimroz province from 26 February to 4 March, a 6% decrease compared with the previous week. Out of the total, 890 were spontaneous returnees and 1,521 were deportees. No returnees arrived through Islam Qala border. This brings the total number of undocumented returnees from Iran since 1 January 2017 to 46,836.
IOM provided post-arrival humanitarian assistance to 62 (3%) undocumented Afghans deported from Iran at its Transit Center in Nimroz.