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SITUATION OVERVIEW
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has recorded a sharp rise in the forced return of Afghan nationals from the Islamic Republic of Iran since the beginning of May 2025. Particularly alarming is a significant surge in the number of families being deported—a new and concerning trend, as returnees deported in previous months were predominantly single young men.
Throughout May 2025, IOM recorded 15,675 families returning from Iran, a 2.3-fold increase compared to the 6,879 families that returned in April. The number of undocumented families returning in May 2025 is more than three times higher compared to that in May 2024.
This spike follows recent announcements by Iranian authorities indicating plans to intensify deportations of Afghan nationals. A public statement issued in late May set a 6th of July 2025 deadline for all undocumented Afghans to leave Iran, potentially affecting up to 4 million people.