An estimated six million Afghans have returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan and Iran in a little under three years, according to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). The movement marks a significant cross-border shift as neighboring countries increase the deportation of undocumented and, in some cases, registered Afghan migrants.
The mass return follows decades of displacement during which millions of Afghans sought refuge or employment in Pakistan and Iran. Since the Taliban's return to power in August 2021, the number of Afghans leaving the country increased. However, recent policy shifts in Pakistan and Iran have led to large-scale expulsions. Pakistan has stated that even those with Proof of Registration cards are no longer exempt from return, while Iran accelerated deportations following a 12-day conflict with Israel and the U.S. in June 2025.
At the Torkham border crossing, returnees reported experiencing harassment and prejudice from Pakistani authorities. A spokesperson for Pakistan’s foreign ministry stated that the government takes measures to prevent maltreatment and that any reported incidents are "sporadic" and handled according to the law. Both Pakistan and Iran have cited security risks and financial burdens as justifications for the returns. Human Rights Watch reported in February that enforcement actions in Pakistan included door-to-door raids, late-night home searches, and arrests without warrants.
The influx of people places additional pressure on international aid organizations at a time when global foreign aid is facing steep cuts. The UNHCR noted that the Taliban's restrictions on women and girls, including bans on secondary and university education, have complicated the process of securing international support. While the Taliban government maintains an amnesty for former officials, some returnees expressed fear of retaliation, citing the deaths of former colleagues. One returnee reported his case was registered with the UN, but he was deported before he could be transferred to a safer third country.
The situation is expected to continue as neighboring countries maintain their deportation policies. While Pakistan recently granted temporary humanitarian exemptions to 16,000 vulnerable Afghans, sources estimate that up to 250,000 people remaining in Pakistan may still be at risk of serious harm. Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi acknowledged the pressure the returns place on the country but stated the movement would benefit Afghanistan in the long run. The Taliban government continues to describe education restrictions as an internal matter; to date, only Russia has formally recognized their rule.