KABUL (SW) – Following the commencement of the second phase of deportation of migrants from Pakistan, thousands of families have returned to Afghanistan through the Torkham and Spin Buldak border crossings.
Many of the returnees have expressed to Salam Watandar their struggles with unemployment and the lack of permanent shelter.
Abdul Hadi, who returned from Pakistan two weeks ago and is now in Nangarhar, urges the Islamic Emirate’s de-facto authorities to provide a place for him to live. He says, “We were forcibly expelled; we are happy to be back in our country, but we have no place to live. Our request is for the government to build shelters for us so we can escape this uncertainty.”
Jawid, another returnee from Pakistan in Nangarhar, shares that the responsibility of providing for his family without any resources has led to psychological distress. He warns that if he cannot find work, he will consider migrating again. “We face many problems here. We ask the Islamic Emirate to provide us with work opportunities and shelter. They had promised to distribute land to returnees,” Jawid added.
Meanwhile, Baz Mohammad Abdul Rahman, head of the Directorate of Refugees and Returnees in Nangarhar, assures that the issues faced by returnees from Pakistan will be addressed. He states that the distribution of land to returnees will begin soon and that the Islamic Emirate, in collaboration with aid organizations, will assist those unable to build their own shelters.
Mr. Abdul Rahman adds, “The Islamic Emirate plans to distribute land to returnees and will provide as much support as possible within its means.”
Since the deportations began at the end of year 2023, over 600,000 individuals have returned to Afghanistan, with many complaining about the lack of employment and shelter.
