UNHCR: Iran Deports Over 120,000 Afghans in First Three Months of 2026

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports that Iran deported more than 120,000 Afghan citizens between January 1 and March 31, 2026, representing 79 percent of the total 152,100 returns recorded during that period.

These returnees consist primarily of vulnerable groups, including 52 percent women and children and 58 percent families. Additionally, 67 percent of household heads among them have no formal education. The influx is placing significant pressure on housing, services and livelihoods in Afghanistan, despite a recent 40 percent drop in deportations.

In 2025, more than 1.9 million people, many of them forcibly returned, came back to Afghanistan from Iran.

The majority of the recent returnees entered through Islam Qala in Herat province and Ziranj in Nimroz province. Their main destinations include Herat, which received 22 percent, followed by Kabul and Farah provinces.

UNHCR highlighted the humanitarian challenges posed by these returns amid ongoing displacement. A joint response plan seeks $80 million to assist 2.8 million people affected by returns and displacement over the next three months.