CONTEXT
On 3 October 2023, the Government of Pakistan announced its decree “Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan’ setting a 1 November deadline for the ‘voluntary return’ of all undocumented Afghans in Pakistan to their country of origin. Following this date, there was a sharp increase in returns, with both forced (based on fear of imprisonment) and deportations. The implications of this announcement are considerable. Historically in 2023/2022 the daily influx of undocumented Afghans returning to Afghanistan via the Spin Boldak (Kandahar) and Torkham (Nangarhar) border crossing points stood at an average of less than 260 individuals per day. Since 15 September 2023, border crossings have dramatically peaked to 17,000 individuals crossing per day on 1 November. As of November 18th, 340,000 returnees have crossed back into Afghanistan in the past two months through Torkham and Spin Boldak border points.
Those returning include undocumented individuals, Afghanistan Citizen Card (ACC) holders and Assisted VolRep (Proof of Registration (PoR) card holders). The majority of those returning has cited the use of police force. Community-level harassment is also being widely reported. In addition, the number of deportations has been progressively increasing; between mid-September and mid-November, over 3,400 deportations have been recorded.
Following clarification from the Government of Pakistan that only undocumented Afghans, and not PoR card holders or ACC holders, will be affected by the decree, it is estimated that between 1.1 and 1.3 million undocumented Afghans presently residing in Pakistan are being targeted. Considering the situation of mixed-status households, an estimated 50,000 Assisted VolRep (PoR card holders) may also return due to the shifting political context in Pakistan, in addition to ACC holders. To respond to this observed increase in returns, organizations working at the aforementioned border locations have scaled-up their operational capacity, including through the adoption of a joint and harmonized approach to the provision of assistance, ensuring optimal use of resources to assist the high volume of persons in need and in line with contingency plan scenarios.
Additionally, while the primary focus remains on the situation inside Pakistan, it is critical to note that an increase in returns (and notably deportations) from Iran has been noted. While not included in this updated Appeal, the situation at the Iranian Border will likely further strain the limited resources in Afghanistan. Based on the current trend in deportations from Iran, contingency plans and funding requirements are under development to ensure that all cases of deportations and forced returns, irrespective of their point of origin, receive support and assistance to uphold their dignity and safety. Funding requirements developed at a later stage for an influx from Iran would then be either annexed to this updated Appeal or integrated into a revised Border Consortium Appeal.