Highlights
264 undocumented Afghans returned from Pakistan
6,746 undocumented Afghans returned from Iran
9,905 total returns from Pakistan since 1 January 2017
53,582 total returns from Iran since 1 January 2017
75% of returnees from Pakistan (199 individuals) assisted
3% of returnees from Iran (250 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 755,000 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 closed on 17 February due to security concerns in Pakistan. From 7-8 March, the borders were temporarily reopened to allow stranded travelers with documents to cross. The borders are closed again as of 12 March.
Islam Qala border with Iran has been closed since 6 February due to flooding. It is not yet clear when the damaged infrastructure will be repaired and the border will be reopened. Milak border with Iran in Nimroz remains functional.
Returns from Pakistan
From 5-11 March 2017, a total of 264 undocumented Afghans were deported from Pakistan through Torkham border (Nangarhar province) and Spin Boldak border (Kandahar province), according to the Border Monitoring Team of the Directorate of Refugees and Repatriation (DoRR). This brings the total number of undocumented Afghan returnees from Pakistan to 9,905 since 1 January 2017.
During the reporting period, IOM provided post-arrival assistance to 199 (75%) undocumented Afghan returnees from Pakistan, including three unaccompanied migrant children and 48 special cases.
IOM continued its distribution of shelter and winterization kits for vulnerable returnee families during the reporting period, reaching 766 families in Nangarhar’s Behsud (344 families), Surkhord (131 families) and Jalalabad (291 families) districts. A further 600 families will receive assistance in Kabul,
Laghman and Kunar next week.
