IOM Provides Statistics on Afghan Migrants’ Movement in One Week

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that in the first week of September, more than 71,000 people returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan and Iran.

The report also stated that during the same period, more than 50,000 others left Afghanistan for Iran and Pakistan.

The International Organization for Migration stated: “IOM has counted a total of 43,376 individuals entering Afghanistan through the Islam Qala, Milak, and Abu Nasr Farahi border crossing points with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and 28,148 individuals entering through the Torkham, Ghulam Khan, Pathan, Angoor Ada, Spin Boldak, Baramcha and Nazar Posta border crossing points with Pakistan. IOM has also counted a total of 21,169 individuals leaving Afghanistan through the Islam Qala, Milak, and Abu Nasr Farahi border crossing points with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and 29,470 individuals leaving through the Torkham, Ghulam Khan, Pathan, Angoor Ada, Spin Boldak, Baramcha and Nazar Posta border crossing points with Pakistan.”

The movement of Afghan migrants to and from neighboring countries continues, while these migrants have frequently complained about the mistreatment by the military forces of these countries.

Mohammad Khan Talebi Mohammadzai, an activist in the field of migrants’ rights, told TOLOnews: “To provide more facilities for migrants, especially those who are at risk of forced deportation, this situation should be addressed through diplomatic channels, international organizations, and the United Nations.”

According to the IOM report, the number of returnees has increased by 41%, while the number of people departing has decreased by 48% compared to the previous week.

At the same time, some Afghan migrants living in Iran, Pakistan, and Türkiye report facing serious economic problems and other challenges.

“In most camps, Afghan migrants are without any future prospects and are serving their time in detention. Afghan migrants do not have access to healthcare services and jobs, and face many challenges,” Wahid Amini, an Afghan migrant in Türkiye, told TOLOnews.

“Banners have been put up in front of bakeries stating that bread should not be given to Afghans. When someone is denied bread, it is equivalent to being killed,” said Mohammad Akbar Sultani, an Afghan migrant in Iran.

According to the report by this organization, these individuals traveled to Iran through the Islam Qala and Abu Nasr Farahi border crossings, and to Pakistan via Torkham, Ghulam Khan, Paktia, Angoor Adda, and Spin Boldak border crossings.