Attachments
HIGHLIGHTS
▪ Almost 2.8 million Afghans from Iran and Pakistan have returned so far in 2025.
▪ Afghans remain in a precarious situation in Pakistan following the end of the grace period for Proof of Registration (PoR) cards on 31 August.
▪ The Afghanistan situation remains critically underfunded, with only 37% of the required $478 million for 2025 received. Additional support is needed to scale up the response to multiple emergencies. UNHCR’s updated regional returns appeal calls for $258.6 million.
Operational Context
Afghanistan is facing a deepening humanitarian crisis, fuelled by a deteriorating human rights situation, prolonged economic hardship, recurring natural disasters and limited access to critical services. The large-scale return of 2.8 million Afghans from Iran and Pakistan in 2025 have further strained resources.
The humanitarian situation has been compounded by recent earthquakes, leaving many at heightened risk and in urgent need of assistance. On 3 November, an earthquake struck Mazar-i-Sharif in northern Afghanistan. Details are still being gathered, but preliminary reports indicate more than 20 casualties and hundreds of injuries. UNHCR is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with partners to assess needs and respond rapidly. Earlier, the 31 August earthquake in eastern Afghanistan left an estimated 498,800 people in need of humanitarian assistance. UNHCR and partners are responding through the OCHA-led multi-sectoral Eastern Region Earthquake Response Plan, targeting around 456,000 people in high-intensity impact areas, particularly those whose homes were severely damaged or destroyed. $139.6 million is required to deliver life-saving assistance between September and December 2025. UNHCR’s priorities include needs assessments to guide interventions, emergency shelter and essential items, and protection support for the most vulnerable, including recent returnees.
In Pakistan, the second phase of the ‘Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan’ (IFRP) began in April 2025, targeting undocumented Afghans and holders of Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC). On 31 July, the Government expanded the plan to include Proof of Registration (PoR) card holders. The end of the grace period on 31 August has heightened uncertainty and fears among Afghans, as returns and deportations continue despite the protection risks. Alongside the returns crisis, floods in Pakistan have affected communities in Shangla and Swat districts. UNHCR, through the Commissionerate for Afghan Refugees, has provided core relief items (CRIs) and shelter kits to flood-affected families.
In Iran, conditions for Afghans have become increasingly precarious following the expiration of Headcount Slips on 20 March and the rollout of a regularization and return scheme affecting over two million Afghans. Many Afghans also continue to report discrimination and harassment.
In Tajikistan, borders remain open only to those with valid passports and visas. At the same time, the Government continues to carry out arbitrary deportations, including of recognized refugees and asylum-seekers, generating deep anxiety and distress within the community. Recent announcements and media reports have heightened concerns about the safety and rights of those affected.
Against this backdrop, and in line with its updated Guidance Note on Afghanistan, UNHCR urges States to exercise caution when considering forced returns to Afghanistan of people found not to be in need of international protection, given the ongoing large-scale humanitarian crisis and the potentially destabilising impact that such returns could have on the country’s fragile situation.