Resettlement Challenges Loom as Thousands of Afghan Returnees Arrive

Kabul, 11 Oct — The latest batch of Afghan returnees underscores a growing humanitarian challenge. The government confirmed that 104 families, representing 448 citizens, have come back from Iran and Pakistan where instability and deteriorating conditions forced them to leave. At Torkham, 28 families (138 people) were recorded, while 25 families (112 individuals) were moved to various provinces with a transportation grant of 86,970 Afghanis. Cash relief of 232,000 Afghanis was given to 29 families, together with access to medical care and telecom services. From Spin Boldak, 11 families (51 persons) crossed, and 10 families (45 persons) received 99,200 Afghanis for travel costs to new locations. Altogether, 43 families (187 people) were distributed across provinces, aid reached 51 families, and 43 new SIM cards were issued. A recent IOM report highlighted that more than 6.5 million Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan in three years, and many face poverty, unemployment, lack of housing, and scarce basic services upon their return.