KABUL: The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reported that in May 2025, over 15,675 Afghan families were forcibly returned from Iran to Afghanistan, which shows a 2.3-fold increase compared to April.
Previously, most returnees were young single men, but now families are being widely expelled as well said the IOM warning that this trend could affect up to four million undocumented Afghan migrants.
According to the organization, this new wave of expulsions from Iran coincides with large-scale returns from Pakistan, putting significant pressure on Afghanistan’s reception and reintegration systems, especially in high-return areas.
The United Nations has also stated that over half a million Afghans returned from Iran and Pakistan in April and May.
Meanwhile, the Iranian government has announced that approximately four million undocumented Afghan migrants are currently in the country and must leave by July 5, 2025. On the other hand, the economic crisis, widespread unemployment, and lack of basic services in Afghanistan make safe return challenging, increasing the risk of a new humanitarian crisis.
