Nearly 150,000 Afghans returned from Pakistan, Iran in 2026: UN

ISLAMABAD: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said on Friday nearly 150,000 Afghans have returned home from Pakistan and Iran so far in 2026. These returns add to the 5.4 million Afghans who have gone back to Afghanistan from the same two neighbouring countries since October 2023.

UNHCR says it continues to observe significant numbers of Afghans returning or being forced to return from neighbouring countries under extreme difficult circumstances. The speed and scale of these returns have pushed Afghanistan deeper into crisis, as the country continues to face a deteriorating humanitarian and human rights situation — particularly for women and girls — along with a fragile economy and recurring natural disasters.

According to a recent report by the World Bank, rapid population growth fuelled by these returns led to a 4 per cent decline in GDP per capita in 2025.

The high number of returns already this year is particularly concerning given the severity of winter, with freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall across much of the country. UNHCR’s recent survey of returnees highlights the scale of challenges they face. Just over half reported being able to find some form of work, even if informal. For women, this figure drops to less than a quarter. More than half of returnee families report having no civil documentation — such as identity cards to prove who they are or where they are from — and more than 90 per cent are living on less than $5 a day.

More than half of returnee families lack civil documentation; over 90pc live on less than $5 per day

“We are deeply concerned about the sustainability of these returns, UNHCR said. While 5 per cent of returnees surveyed say they intend to leave Afghanistan again, more than 10 per cent know a relative or community member who has already left since returning. These decisions are not driven by a desire to leave, but by the reality that many are unable to rebuild a viable and dignified life.

“This year, our focus is on supporting the reintegration of returnees. We have the access, presence and experience of the last four decades in Afghanistan to deliver the assistance that communities say they most need, including protection services, housing and livelihood support, particularly for women.”

Along with other UN agencies and partners, UNHCR is closely monitoring the regional situation, where asylum space continues to shrink and regulated migration pathways are narrowing. Afghans increasingly feel compelled to undertake dangerous onward journeys.

“We remain prepared to respond to population movements into Afghanistan, while also continuing to call on states to uphold access to asylum, protect and assist Afghan refugees, and ensure that no one is returned to a place where their rights and freedoms are at risk,” the UN refugee agency said.

Given the dire humanitarian situation and rapidly increasing population, additional support is urgently needed in 2026 to scale up assistance and invest in reintegration, enabling people to rebuild their lives with dignity, hope and stability.

Published in Dawn, February 14th, 2026