The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has disclosed that a total of 74,291 migrants have made their way back to Afghanistan during the week of April 21 to 27. According to the IOM’s records, the returnees include 43,176 individuals from Iran and 31,115 from Pakistan.

The migrants from Pakistan re-entered Afghanistan through the Torkham, Ghulam Khan, and Spin Boldak border crossings, whereas those arriving from Iran utilized the Islam Qala and Milak crossings.

Furthermore, the report reveals a concurrent migration of 43,422 Afghans to Iran and Pakistan within the same timeframe, with 24,348 heading to Iran and 19,074 to Pakistan.

In terms of documentation among the returnees from Iran, the statistics show that 6% possessed valid passports, 2% had valid visas, 18% were holders of a Hamayesh card, 1% had a Hoshmand card, 56% carried a valid Tazkira (Afghan national ID), and 36% were without any documents. Meanwhile, the profile of returnees from Pakistan was detailed as follows: 7% held POR cards, 27% had valid passports, 24% were visa holders, 65% presented a valid Tazkira, 3% carried ACC cards, and 25% returned without any documentation.

This significant movement of returnees occurs in a context where Pakistan and Iran have escalated their enforcement actions against Afghan refugees, leading to the daily expulsion of numerous families.