The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Over the past two years, roughly five million Afghans, nearly 10 percent of the population, have returned to Afghanistan, fleeing deportations and tightening migration restrictions in neighboring countries, according to a report by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).
In 2025 alone, an estimated 2.78 million Afghans returned,
the majority from Iran (1.88 million) and Pakistan (899,000). This includes 2.3
million undocumented and 484,000 documented returnees. At the peak in June and
July, daily arrivals from Iran surged to 30,000–40,000, overwhelming border
reception points and straining onward movement systems.
The UN and humanitarian organizations have mobilized to
provide urgent assistance, but the scale of the crisis far exceeds available
resources. Aid has been insufficient and has not reached all those in need due
to severe funding constraints. Critical gaps remain in shelter, food,
livelihoods, and long-term reintegration support.
Women, girls, and children face heightened risks. Nearly
one-third of returnees are women and girls, while children under 17 — including
unaccompanied and separated minors — require urgent protection, family tracing,
and psychosocial support. Undocumented returnees face the greatest barriers to
services, livelihoods, and legal protections, leaving them highly vulnerable.
