UNHCR Warns of Potential Return of 3 Million Afghan Migrants by Year-End

Kokcha News Agency: Arefat Jamal, the head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Afghanistan, has issued a stark warning about the potential return of up to three million Afghan migrants to their homeland by the end of 2023. This mass return could place immense pressure on an already strained humanitarian situation in the country.

Jamal emphasized that the influx of returnees would further complicate efforts to address Afghanistan’s existing crises, including food insecurity, lack of shelter, and limited access to healthcare. The country is already grappling with one of the world’s most severe humanitarian emergencies, with millions of Afghans in need of urgent assistance.

The UNHCR has been working to support Afghan refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), but the anticipated surge in returnees could overwhelm available resources. Jamal called for increased international support to help Afghanistan manage the potential influx and mitigate the impact on vulnerable populations.

The warning comes as neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan and Iran, have been tightening their immigration policies, leading to the forced return of many Afghan migrants. These returns are often carried out without adequate preparation or support, leaving returnees to face dire conditions upon arrival in Afghanistan.