KABUL: The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reported a 268% increase in the forced expulsion and return of Afghan migrants from Iran over the past two weeks.
According to the IOM report, from June 12 to 18 and from June 19 to 25, a total of 88,308 Afghan migrants returned from Iran via Islam Qala and Milak border crossings to Afghanistan, with 55% of these returns being forced.
“Afghans in Iran are facing increased hostility and an uncertain environment regarding their residency status, particularly in light of recent conflicts between Iran and Israel,” said the organization in its report.
The IOM emphasized that 99% of returning Afghan migrants lack legal residency documents and therefore require urgent assistance, including food, shelter, healthcare, and transportation.
Also, the World Health Organization (WHO) representation in Afghanistan has stated that its teams at the border crossings between Afghanistan and Iran in the western region have been under significant workload pressure in recent weeks.
The WHO has highlighted that it needs $2 million in urgent assistance to address the health needs of returning migrants in the coming two weeks.