Amid ongoing concerns about the mass expulsion of Afghan refugees from Iran and Pakistan, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reported that 858,175 migrants returned to Afghanistan during April, May, and June of this year.
In a recently released report, the IOM highlighted the increase in migrations due to poverty, unemployment, and insecurity, as well as the rise in returnees due to the expulsion of illegal migrants from Iran and Pakistan.
According to the report, 858,175 migrants returned to Afghanistan in the three months of April, May, and June 2024, while 532,854 people left Afghanistan during the same period.
These figures indicate a 30% increase in the return of migrants to Afghanistan and a 19% increase in cross-border migration to other countries.
Notably, a significant portion of the migrants who left Afghanistan during this three-month period cited economic reasons as the primary factor for their migration in interviews with the IOM.
Meanwhile, the substantial movement of people both into and out of Afghanistan underscores the persistent challenges faced by the Afghan population. Economic hardship, security issues, and forced expulsions contribute to this complex migration scenario.
Addressing these underlying issues requires coordinated efforts from both national and international stakeholders to ensure stability and support for affected individuals and communities.
