Nearly 450,000 Afghans have returned from Iran since June 1, the United Nations’ migration agency reported on Monday. This surge follows Iran’s order for undocumented Afghans to leave the country by July 6.
From June 1 to July 5, a total of 449,218 Afghans crossed back into Afghanistan, raising the yearly return count to over 900,000. Tens of thousands hurried to cross the border before the deadline, creating an emergency situation at key border points.
Iran’s return deadline affects nearly four million undocumented Afghans living in the country, out of the six million Afghans Tehran says reside there. The border crossing at Islam Qala saw a peak of over 43,000 people in one day, according to the UN refugee agency.
UNICEF expressed concern as 25% of these returnees are children. Whole families are returning with few belongings and little money, worsening an already severe crisis in Afghanistan. The border facilities struggle to handle the massive influx.
Emergency measures have been taken to improve water, sanitation, vaccinations, and child-friendly spaces for returnees. Still, many Afghans report facing arrest and pressure in Iran, forcing families to send even young children out to seek food.
International organizations and Taliban officials have called for more aid to manage the crisis. The UN warns that this large return wave could destabilize Afghanistan, urging countries not to force Afghans back against their will.