Pakistani authorities deported 7,324 Afghan migrants on Monday, Oct. 27, according to the Taliban-run Commission for Refugees, in what marks one of the highest single-day mass expulsions of Afghans in recent weeks.
The deportees were returned through the Spin Boldak and Bahramcha border crossings, with both forced and voluntary returns reported. The expulsions come amid an escalating crackdown on undocumented Afghan nationals living in Pakistan, particularly following eight days of border clashes between the Taliban and Pakistani forces earlier this month.
This wave of deportations follows a similarly high number the previous day — Sunday — when 7,996 Afghans were expelled. The increasing pace of removals follows a directive by Pakistan’s caretaker Prime Minister, who ordered the eviction of undocumented migrants by the end of October.
Monday, October 28, marks the 17th consecutive day that five major trade and transit border crossings between the two countries — including Spin Boldak and Torkham — remain closed, disrupting commerce and stranding thousands of trucks and traders on both sides.
Iran has also continued deporting Afghan migrants, with 645 individuals returned on Monday through the Islam Qala and Pul-e Abrisham border points, the Taliban commission said.
Tehran recently announced stricter rules for Afghan labor migration. Majid Ahmadi, the director-general of Iran’s Bureau for Aliens and Foreign Immigrants Affairs, stated that Afghan workers will now only be allowed to enter the country through official work visas issued via the Iranian Embassy in Kabul and under the sponsorship of an Iranian employer.
Iranian officials have introduced a new “Kafeel” (sponsorship) program, modeled on Gulf labor systems, claiming it benefits not only Afghan workers but also Iranian employers and society. Under the plan, employers must apply online through the Ministry of Labor, submitting documentation for approval to hire Afghan nationals in physically demanding or hazardous jobs.
Human rights organizations have repeatedly expressed concern over mass deportations from both Iran and Pakistan, citing lack of due process, family separation, and the risk of persecution upon return to Afghanistan. The United Nations has called for a suspension of forced returns, warning that Afghanistan remains unsafe for many of its citizens.
