Taliban Commission Reports Sharp Decrease in Afghan Returnees from Iran

The Taliban's commission for addressing migrant challenges has reported a sharp decrease in the number of Afghans returning from Iran following tensions in the Middle East.

Commission statistics show that only 30 people entered Afghanistan through the Islam Qala border crossing yesterday. This represents a significant drop compared with the tens of thousands of Afghan migrants expelled from Iran after the 12-day war between Israel, America and Iran.

The commission's data indicate that the flow of returnees has slowed considerably in the period since the regional conflict.

Returnees, particularly from western provinces such as Ghor and Badghis, report facing severe economic hardships. They say there are no job opportunities available and that they are unable to cover basic living expenses, often leaving families in debt.

Many youths in these provinces have traditionally relied on irregular migration to Iran as a primary source of income, usually traveling via smuggling routes.

The situation illustrates the difficulties of reintegration for those returning to Afghanistan, where economic prospects remain limited in the affected regions. Testimonies from the returnees highlight ongoing struggles amid scarce employment options at home.