Nearly 46,000 people left Afghanistan through various border crossings in the span of a single week, according to new figures released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The IOM’s report, covering the period from September 8 to 14, also showed that more than 86,000 people returned to Afghanistan during the same timeframe. The organization attributed the 52 percent surge in inflows compared to outflows primarily to the sharp rise in returns from Iran.
“The main reasons for inflows from the Islamic Republic of Iran included deportations and voluntary returns,” the IOM said in its report. “However, the increase may also be linked to Afghan nationals returning after visiting Iran for the Arbaeen religious holiday.”
According to the IOM, 20,752 people entered Afghanistan through the Islam Qala border, 1,125 through Abu Nasar Farahi, 4,952 via Milak, 3,396 through Baramcha, 1,155 via Nazar Postra, 11,530 through Spin Boldak, 447 through Angoor Ada, 618 through Ghulam Khan, 23 through Dand-e Patan, and 13,195 via the Torkham crossings.
The sharp increase in returns comes as both Pakistan and Iran intensify efforts to deport Afghan migrants. The Taliban’s Ministry for Refugees and Repatriation has reported the daily return of dozens of families as deportations accelerate in both neighboring countries.
