KABUL: The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has warned that Afghanistan is facing one of the largest waves of forced migrant returns in recent history, with 1.5 million Afghans deported from neighboring countries in 2025 alone.
The warning follows Pakistan’s decision to continue deporting Afghan nationals. IOM cautioned that without urgent international assistance, the country could face a severe humanitarian crisis.
Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, said:
“Since September 2023, more than 4 million Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan, including over 1.5 million this year. This is one of the largest return movements in recent history.”
A UN Women report highlighted that women and girls make up nearly half of those deported. Many face poverty, early marriage, violence, and severe restrictions upon their return. According to the UN, in 2025 alone, women and girls account for one-third of returnees from Iran and nearly half from Pakistan.
In response, the Taliban government dismissed these concerns. Islamic Emirate Deputy Spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat claimed that women’s rights in Afghanistan are being safeguarded, citing measures against forced marriage, recognition of inheritance rights, and legal avenues for women to file complaints.
However, women’s rights activists like Tafsir Siyahposh argue that returnees face a lack of opportunities compared to abroad, and continue to urge the Taliban to ensure women’s rights and freedoms.
The mass deportations from Iran and Pakistan show no sign of slowing, while long-standing international concerns over women’s education and employment in Afghanistan remain unresolved.
