ATRA: 200,000 Free SIM Cards Distributed to Returnees
The Afghanistan Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ATRA) has announced that it is providing telecommunications services to returnees at the Islam Qala border. Since the beginning of the forced deportation process of Afghan refugees from Iran, ATRA has distributed nearly 200,000 SIM cards to the returnees free of charge.
According to the spokesperson of the agency, these SIM cards are temporary and issued for four months based on the refugees’ residency cards to facilitate communication for the returnees.
ATRA spokesperson, Jalaluddin Shams, stated: “These are free SIM cards. Since the SIM card distribution process has been legalized in the country, no one can obtain a SIM card illegally. Those who return from neighboring countries and do not have a national ID are allowed to obtain a SIM card based on their refugee documents, as ATRA has initiated this temporary process.”
The returnees also appreciate this initiative, stating that the distribution of SIM cards at the Islam Qala border has met their urgent communication needs. They urge the government to provide more services for returning citizens.
Ahmad, a returnee from Iran, says: “We have no place or shelter. We need assistance. We need shelter.”
Zalmai, another returnee from Iran, expresses gratitude for the telecommunications services: “Thank you for the SIM cards. They were provided to us free of charge.”
It should be noted that, in addition to SIM cards, returnees have also received assistance from the government and various charitable organizations for their resettlement and relocation.
