Residents in Afghanistan’s southern Zabul province say a lack of job opportunities is forcing many young people to consider migration, as economic hardship deepens.
Several residents said they spend days searching for work but are unable to find even low-paying jobs despite repeated efforts.
Abdulrahman, a resident of Zabul, said he has been unable to secure employment and is uncertain about his future.
“There is no work, and we are left wandering,” he said. “We try to go to Iran or Pakistan for jobs, but even there opportunities are limited and borders are often closed. I don’t know what to do.”
Others warned that continued unemployment is pushing more people toward migration, even as routes out of the country have become increasingly restricted.
“All businesses are struggling,” said Abdulkarim, another resident. “There is no work, and even the borders for those trying to go to Iran are closed.”
Shah Wali, also from Zabul, said he has been searching for daily labor for weeks without success.
“For 15 days I have been going to the roadside hoping to find work, but nothing comes,” he said. “My house is damaged, and I cannot afford to rebuild it.”
The concerns come as food prices have risen in many parts of the country in recent weeks, adding pressure on households already facing declining incomes.
Residents say the combination of limited job opportunities and increasing living costs is making daily life increasingly difficult.
