Over 4,700 Afghan Migrants Return in Single Day as UN Highlights Employment Challenges

More than 4,700 Afghan migrants returned to Afghanistan on May 6, adding to a growing wave of repatriations that has strained local resources and infrastructure. Official figures show that 4,711 individuals, including 897 families, crossed back into the country in a single day.

The United Nations has warned that employment prospects for returnees remain severely limited, with only approximately 11 percent currently finding work. The rapid influx has placed significant pressure on housing, job markets, and basic public services across multiple provinces.

Throughout 2025, an estimated 2.8 million Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan following the implementation of stricter residency and border enforcement measures in both neighboring countries. Data from UN-Habitat indicates that nearly three million people have returned this year, contributing to an estimated 10 percent increase in the national population.

Bakhtar News Agency reported that the daily crossing involved coordinated transit operations at major border checkpoints. Officials noted that the sudden demographic shift requires immediate planning to prevent further strain on municipal services. Humanitarian and development agencies continue to monitor the situation as authorities work to manage the influx. The scale of the returns has prompted calls for coordinated support to address reintegration challenges, with a focus on establishing sustainable livelihood programs and expanding shelter capacity for displaced families.