Kabul Afghanistan In a rapidly unfolding development thousands of Afghan migrants have begun returning to their homeland from Iran ahead of a looming deadline imposed by Iranian authorities The escalating return of migrants has prompted Afghan officials to declare an emergency at the country’s border crossings to manage the sudden influx of returnees .
Massive Return of Afghan Migrants from Iran
The return of Afghan migrants from Iran has intensified in recent weeks following strict measures by Iranian authorities regarding undocumented migrants residing in the country With the deadline for voluntary departure fast approaching many Afghans living in Iran have opted to leave before facing possible arrest or deportation .
Iran which has hosted millions of Afghan refugees and migrants over the past several decades recently announced plans to tighten its immigration policies The Iranian government cited national security concerns economic pressures and the need to regulate its labor market as reasons for the crackdown on undocumented migrants .
According to reports many of the returning migrants had been working in Iran’s informal labor sector primarily in construction agriculture and manufacturing industries However faced with increasing scrutiny job losses and fear of arrest they have little choice but to return to Afghanistan many after years of living abroad .
Emergency Declared at Afghan Border
In response to the growing number of returning migrants the Afghan government has declared an emergency in provinces bordering Iran particularly in Herat Nimroz and Farah Border crossings such as Islam Qala and Milak have seen unprecedented traffic in recent days .
Local authorities humanitarian organizations and border security personnel have been mobilized to manage the crisis Temporary shelters have been set up to accommodate returnees many of whom are arriving with minimal belongings limited financial resources and in desperate need of food water and medical care .
Afghan officials report that thousands of migrants are crossing the border daily with numbers expected to rise further as the Iranian deadline nears Emergency response teams are coordinating efforts to provide immediate assistance to returnees including transportation to their home provinces .
Humanitarian Concerns Mount
International humanitarian organizations including the International Organization for Migration IOM and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR have expressed grave concerns over the unfolding situation Many of the returning migrants face significant challenges reintegrating into Afghan society especially amid the country’s ongoing economic hardships and limited employment opportunities .
The mass return of Afghan migrants from Iran presents serious humanitarian challenges said a representative from the IOM Many families are returning to situations of extreme poverty with little or no means to rebuild their lives .
Local aid workers have highlighted the pressing need for additional resources including food supplies hygiene kits temporary housing and medical services Concerns about potential disease outbreaks have also been raised due to the crowded conditions at border checkpoints .
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Government Response and Regional Implications
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation has called for urgent international support to help manage the crisis Officials have urged neighboring countries and global donors to step up assistance efforts to prevent a worsening humanitarian disaster .
In addition to immediate relief efforts the Afghan government has stressed the importance of longterm reintegration programs to help returnees rebuild their lives This includes vocational training small business grants and community development initiatives .
The situation has also raised broader regional concerns particularly regarding migration policies and border security in the region Analysts warn that continued instability and the lack of economic opportunities in Afghanistan could fuel future waves of migration not only to Iran but also to other neighboring countries .
As the deadline approaches Afghan officials remain on high alert The coming days are likely to witness continued high numbers of returns with authorities bracing for further strain on already stretched resources .
The crisis underscores the complex interplay between migration security and humanitarian needs in the region highlighting the urgent need for coordinated international action .