Iran Voluntary repatriation since January 2022 to July 2022

Since 2002, UNHCR Iran has supported nearly 1 million refugees to voluntary repatriate in safety and dignity to Afghanistan and Iraq, taking into account the UNHCR Non-Return Advisory and UNHCR Global Guidance Note on the International Protection Needs of People Fleeing Afghanistan . However, as the situation in Afghanistan remains fragile, only a small number of Afghan refugees in Iran shown willingness to return to their home country. Repatriation of Afghan students to obtain visas to continue their studies in Iran has significantly declined from 59% of the repatriates in January 2022 to 22% of the repatriates in June 2022. UNHCR supports the Iranian Government in providing Afghans with health, education and livelihoods opportunities. Individuals who are healthy, educated and have marketable-skills are typically more likely to return and feel capable of rebuilding their lives. Nonetheless, ultimately, a longer-term, political solution for Afghanistan’s protracted crisis is the only way to ensure safe, sustainable and voluntarily return of refugees.