The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has issued a stark warning, stating that the forced deportation of Afghan migrants labeled as undocumented could lead to a humanitarian crisis.
Earlier this month, Islamabad declared a November 1 deadline for the expulsion of all “undocumented Afghan migrants” from the host country, sparking a wave of concern and condemnation from human rights organizations, including the UN High Commission for Human Rights, Amnesty International, and most recently, the UNHCR.
In response to mounting concerns over the expulsion of Afghan migrants, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baluch, emphasized that the “Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP)” applies to all illegal foreigners residing in Pakistan, regardless of their nationality or origin.
Baluch asserted, “The decision aligns with Pakistan’s sovereign domestic laws and complies with applicable international norms and principles.”
Human rights advocates and observers warned that the deportation of Afghan migrants could place their lives in jeopardy, as many had fled their homeland following the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021.
Refugee rights activist Asifa Stanikzai called upon international refugee organizations to speak out against Pakistan’s decision, describing it as deeply concerning.
Mohammad Khan Talibi stressed the importance of Pakistan treating Afghan migrants in accordance with international laws and granting them a reasonable period of time to address their legal status.
Pakistani officials, however, have issued warnings of impending crackdowns on undocumentedAfghan migrants after the November 1 deadline expires. Pakistan’s caretaker Interior Minister, Sarfaraz Bugti, stated that the first phase of deportations will target undocumented foreigners lacking travel documents or claiming Pakistani citizenship.
The second phase will encompass Afghan national cardholders, individuals with Proof of Registration (POR), and refugees registered with UNHCR.
Afghan migrants have reported that the deportation process has commenced prematurely, with allegations of detention, harassment, and mistreatment by Pakistani authorities. The uncertain fate awaiting these migrants if forcibly deported has added to their distress.
Under Pakistan’s new plan for refugees, over 1.7 million Afghan migrants are required to leave the country before the November 1 deadline. The UN estimates that approximately 600,000 Afghans sought refuge in Pakistan following the collapse of the former Afghan government.
