May 17, 2025: In one of the largest single-day mass deportations in recent months, a total of 3,357 Afghan migrants were expelled from Iran and Pakistan on Friday, May 16, according to the Taliban’s High Commission for Addressing Migrants’ Issues.
The report states that 1,934 individuals were deported from Iran, while 1,423 were forced out of Pakistan, and entered Afghanistan through key border crossings including Torkham, Spin Boldak, Bahramcha, Angoor Ada, Pul-e Abrisham, and Islam Qala.
To assist the returnees, Taliban authorities claim to have distributed over six million Afghanis in cash aid. Additionally, 1,725 individuals originally from Kabul were relocated to other provinces, including Paktia, Khost, Nangarhar, Laghman, Baghlan, Kunduz, Takhar, Samangan, Balkh, Badakhshan, Faryab, and Sar-e Pol.
The surge in deportations comes amid increased efforts by both Iran and Pakistan to crack down on undocumented Afghan migrants. Iran’s Ministry of Interior has announced intentions to expel up to two million Afghans, while Pakistan has tightened visa rules and stepped up arrests and forced removals of Afghan refugees and asylum seekers.
