disaster
Afghanistan | Population Movement (Returnees) - Operation update #5 (12-month update) (MDRAF018)
By International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies at ReliefWeb
· June 17, 2026
· 5 min read
Countries: Afghanistan, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Pakistan, Tajikistan . A. SITUATION ANALYSIS Description of the crisis Since the beginning of 2025 until 30 April 2026, Afghanistan has witnessed the return of more than 3.42 million Afghan nationals (returnees and deportees) from neighbouring coun
Key takeaway According to data published by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), approximately 2.
Why this matters
The massive influx of returnees to Afghanistan poses significant challenges for humanitarian organizations and local communities, as the country's infrastructure and resources are already severely strained. The fact that over half of returnees are arriving in western and eastern border provinces, where health systems and shelter capacity are critically overstretched, exacerbates the crisis. The sustained nature of these returns, despite seasonal constraints, suggests that deportation policies and protection concerns are driving the movement, rather than just economic or environmental factors. The implementation of Pakistan's 'Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan' has accelerated the return trend, leaving many Afghans without a clear future or support. As the international community responds to this crisis, it is crucial to consider the long-term implications of this population movement and the need for targeted support to address the specific needs of returnees, including access to livelihood opportunities, healthcare, and shelter.
About this story
Original reporting by ReliefWeb . Christgiving surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: disaster ·
Published: June 17, 2026 ·
Source: ReliefWeb ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Countries: Afghanistan, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Pakistan, Tajikistan . A. SITUATION ANALYSIS Description of the crisis Since the beginning of 2025 until 30 April 2026, Afghanistan has witnessed the return of more than 3.42 million Afghan nationals (returnees and deportees) from neighbouring coun
When was this published? This article was first published on June 17, 2026 by ReliefWeb and curated for Christgiving readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies at ReliefWeb. To learn more about how Christgiving selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more disaster coverage from Christgiving, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .