In brief
Thousands of Afghans are crossing back into their war-torn homeland under pressure from Iranian authorities, raising serious concerns about their safety and well-being.
In an alarming turn of events, Iran has expelled nearly 800,000 Afghan refugees, a move that escalated in June as Iranian officials amended their policies regarding undocumented migrants. This intense deportation drive has forced many Afghans to return to a country already struggling with extreme poverty and instability.As reported by Babar Baloch from the United Nations’ refugee agency, approximately 600,000 individuals have been sent back since June 1, averaging about 30,000 returnees daily. The exodus intensified during and after the recent 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran, as suspicions grew about Afghans being potential spies for Israel. The Iranian government set a deadline for undocumented Afghans to leave by July 6, driving up the emotional toll on those affected.Previously known for housing millions of Afghan refugees, Iran appears to be tightening its borders. Although officials claim that Afghans with valid documents can remain, many returning individuals—some with valid visas—have been forcibly expelled, highlighting the humanitarian crisis faced by Afghans in Iran. The situation is dire, and as Arafat Jamal from the UN notes, “There’s a bit of a frenzy at the moment,” signifying the urgent need for international attention and response.
