Over 800,000 Afghans Return from Iran in 2025, Straining Afghanistan’s Fragile Humanitarian Landscape

Since January 2025, over 800,000 Afghans have returned from Iran through the Islam Qala border crossing in western Afghanistan, with more than 137,000 arriving in June alone. This massive wave of returnees is overwhelming Afghanistan’s already strained humanitarian resources, as the country grapples with conflict, economic collapse, and natural disasters.

Dire Conditions at the Border

Many of the returnees arrive in poor health—exhausted, dehydrated, and lacking basic necessities. At Islam Qala, temperatures frequently exceed 40°C, and families often arrive with little more than the clothes on their backs. Children show visible signs of malnutrition, and mothers express deep anxiety about their uncertain future.

Alexander Matheou, IFRC Regional Director for Asia Pacific, emphasized the gravity of the situation during a recent visit to the border: “This issue hasn’t received the attention it deserves. These individuals are not just statistics—they are families returning to a country that is already burdened by conflict, economic collapse, and natural disasters. They deserve dignity and immediate support.”

Drivers of Return

The returning population includes many who have lived in Iran—or Pakistan—for years, in some cases decades. Their decision to leave is driven by worsening economic conditions, tightening legal restrictions on migrants, and increased regional instability. Since late 2023, over 1 million Afghans have also returned from Pakistan, further straining local communities and public services across Afghanistan.

Emergency Response Efforts

The Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS), supported by the IFRC, is leading emergency response operations at the Islam Qala crossing. Volunteers are distributing food and clean water, offering medical services, and operating mobile clinics that treat around 500 patients daily—many of whom are pregnant women, children, and the elderly. Despite these efforts, medical supplies are rapidly dwindling.

“Many mothers we talk to are incredibly fatigued, with their primary focus on the well-being of their children,” said one ARCS nurse. “They’ve endured long journeys under extreme heat, and they’re stepping into uncertainty.”

Challenges After Arrival

Once registered, families are transported to Herat City, but challenges continue. Many younger returnees are unfamiliar with life in Afghanistan, while their families struggle to secure housing, income, and access to schools. Women and girls, in particular, face heightened vulnerabilities in a context where access to education and healthcare remains severely limited.

In August 2025 alone, Afghan Red Crescent volunteers distributed thousands of hot meals daily and provided emergency shelter materials. Still, needs continue to outpace available resources.

Call for Global Support

The IFRC is urgently appealing for increased funding and international solidarity to address the escalating crisis. Without expanded support from donors, governments, and humanitarian agencies, the prospects for returning families remain bleak.

“Afghanistan is already under considerable strain,” Matheou stressed. “With the numbers of returning individuals increasing daily—and even more expected soon—this is a crucial time for the global community to act.”

Matheou added, “The Afghan Red Crescent Society and its partners are doing everything within their power. But the needs are immense. This is not just a border issue—it’s a humanitarian emergency that demands a global response.”