Pakistan Deports Over 683,000 Afghan Migrants Since Last September, UN Reports
ISLAMABAD: According to a recent report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Pakistan has deported over 683,000 Afghan migrants to Afghanistan between September 15, 2023, and July 31, 2024.
The pace of deportations has accelerated significantly since March, with May and June witnessing the highest monthly figures—around 38,000 deportations each month. The number slightly decreased in July, with approximately 36,000 Afghan nationals being sent back.
The UNHCR report also noted a visit by a German Parliament delegation from the Foreign Relations Committee on July 12. The delegation engaged with students from the Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative, Proof of Registration (PoR) cardholders, and newly arrived Afghan migrants to explore third-country resettlement options and livelihood prospects. They commended Pakistan for its efforts in managing the refugee situation and pledged to advocate for continued support at the governmental level in Berlin.
In response to the devastating flash floods and storms that struck eastern Afghanistan on July 15, humanitarian teams, including UNHCR and Women for Afghan Women, were mobilized to Nangarhar, Laghman, and Kunar provinces. Initial assessments reported 58 fatalities and 380 injuries in the most affected areas, which are home to large numbers of displaced Afghans and returnees.
In July 2024 alone, UNHCR and its partners provided humanitarian assistance to approximately 758,925 individuals across all 34 provinces of Afghanistan.
Pakistan’s intensified deportation efforts followed the implementation of a strict policy in October 2023, aimed at addressing the presence of undocumented Afghan refugees in the country.
