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SITUATION OVERVIEW
In September 2023, the Government of Pakistan announced the introduction of the ‘Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan’ (IFRP), a multi-phase policy that requires all foreign nationals without a valid visa or legal status in Pakistan to leave the country or face deportation. The IFRP is primarily affecting Afghans and has prompted a large-scale population movement from Pakistan into Afghanistan. Since 15 September 2023, almost a million (972,400 people as of 23 April 2025) have already crossed back via the four official crossing points along the border with Pakistan, namely Torkham (Nangarhar), Spin Boldak (Kandahar), Ghulam Khan (Khost) and Badini (Helmand).
More than 118,400 Afghans have returned from Pakistan in the month of April 2025 alone, of whom 25,600 were deported. On average, 4,000 to 6,000 people are crossing daily, with women and children constituting a sizable proportion. The influx of Afghans crossing the borders encompasses a diverse array of individuals facing heightened vulnerabilities and risks. Among this population are young children, the elderly, those with disabilities and chronic illnesses, and those grappling with extreme poverty. These factors compound the challenges they encounter during their journey, necessitating a comprehensive approach to address their unique needs. The number of people deported from Pakistan in April 2025 has surpassed the previous highest monthly number of deportations in November 2023 (UNHCR Pakistan-Afghanistan Returns Emergency Response, 23 April 2025).2
While Pakistan’s IFRP was the primary trigger for this large-scale cross-border movement, increasing returns from Iran have also been observed following policy changes towards Afghans in the country, particularly at border points in western Afghanistan, such as Herat and Nimroz. Both the scale and speed of these mass movements of Afghans from Iran and Pakistan are placing immense strain on border provinces and urban centres such as Kabul, Herat, Nangarhar, and Kandahar.
The mass return is unfolding against the backdrop of a fragile humanitarian context – marked by a multitude of challenges that have significantly exacerbated the vulnerability of the Afghan population. The ongoing crises, including the residual impacts of decades of conflict, and widespread food insecurity (which is expected to disproportionately affect returnees, IDPs, and disaster-affected communities), persistent drought, over 6.6 million conflict-induced IDPs, strained health systems, and weak infrastructure, continue to increase the populations reliance on humanitarian aid. Many returnees are settling in overcrowded shelters, transit centres, or informal settlements, where they face exposure to harsh weather and lack access to essential services. Since September 2023, among the Afghans assisted by UNHCR, half of the returnees are women, and 30 per cent are female-headed households. Most returnees had to abandon their belongings and savings and today face the heavy burden of debt due to limited economic opportunities.
Widespread poverty, affecting nearly 48 per cent of the population, severely restricts the ability of Afghans to afford basic goods and services. Currently, 80 per cent of the population lives below the poverty line. Many households have resorted to selling their last income-generating assets in order to meet their basic needs, putting women and children at greater risk. The lack of employment opportunities has diminished the economic independence of millions of Afghans, leaving many grappling with feelings of hopelessness and despair.
The health, safety, and well-being of returnees, especially vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities, are of paramount concern. The existing pressures on limited humanitarian services and resources are exacerbated by the fact that many humanitarian organisations have scaled down or ceased operations due to funding constraints, particularly following reductions in support from major donors.
Given these pressing humanitarian needs, there is an urgent need for holistic and integrated assistance bridging the humanitarian needs at points of arrival and for longer-term recovery and reintegration across the country. Coordinated efforts are essential to ensure strategic complementarity between the actions of the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners, and those of other humanitarian actors. The permanent presence of the ARCS at the community-level, providing trusted and tailored local level responses, will help ensure continuity of care for the most vulnerable – particularly given the evolving dynamics of this humanitarian crisis.