The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has voiced serious concern about the possibility of a sudden large-scale return of Afghan migrants from Iran.
Kabul 24: The agency has stated that, amid ongoing tensions and instability across the Middle East—particularly in Iran—it is actively preparing for the scenario of a significant influx of returnees into Afghanistan.
Although no dramatic increase in returns from Iran has been observed so far, UNHCR has already put contingency plans in place at key border crossing points, especially Islam Qala in Herat province.
These preparations aim to ensure the rapid provision of essential assistance if a sharp rise in arrivals occurs.
The support package includes cash assistance, protection services, temporary shelter, basic healthcare, and streamlined registration processes for returning individuals.
Faramarz Barzin, Deputy Spokesperson for UNHCR, emphasized: “Our primary concern remains the safety and protection of Afghan returnees, who are particularly vulnerable under the current circumstances.
While we have not yet seen a significant uptick in border returns from Iran, we are proactively preparing for the possibility of an increase.”He added that precautionary measures, especially at Islam Qala and other major border points, have been activated to enable swift and effective humanitarian response in the event of a surge.
This alert comes against the backdrop of continued forced or pressured returns of Afghans from both Iran and Pakistan—an ongoing trend that humanitarian organizations say is severely exacerbating human suffering inside Afghanistan.
Since October 2023, millions of Afghans have returned from these two neighboring countries. In 2025 and into early 2026, hundreds of thousands more have crossed back, with a substantial portion originating from Iran.
UNHCR, working closely with international partners, continues to closely monitor the situation and is adjusting its humanitarian response to prioritize the most vulnerable groups, including women, children, and individuals at heightened risk.
The agency warns that a sudden, large-scale return movement could dramatically increase protection needs and further strain an already fragile environment in Afghanistan.With the country grappling with deep economic hardship, widespread insecurity, and limited resources, preparedness for a potential mass return from Iran remains one of the most urgent priorities for international humanitarian actors.
UNHCR has reiterated its call for borders to remain open to people fleeing danger and for all states to uphold their international obligations by preventing forced returns (refoulement).
