UNHCR seeks support for solutions as 5.4 million Afghans return since late 2023

GENEVA – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, continues to observe significant numbers of Afghans returning or being forced to return from neighbouring countries in extremely difficult circumstances.

So far this year, nearly 150,000 Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan. These arrivals come on top of already unprecedented returns – 2.9 million people in 2025, bringing the total to some 5.4 million since October 2023.

The speed and scale of these returns have pushed Afghanistan deeper into crisis, as the country continues to face a deteriorating humanitarian and human rights situation – particularly for women and girls – a fragile economy, and recurring natural disasters. According to a recent World Bank report, the rapid population growth fuelled by the returns led to a 4 per cent decline in GDP per capita in 2025.

The high number of returns already this year is concerning given the severity of winter, with freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall across much of the country.

Our recent survey of returnees highlights the scale of challenges they face. Just over half reported being able to find some form of work, even if informal. For women, this figure drops to less than a quarter. More than half of returnee families report having no civil documentation – for example, identity cards to prove who they are or where they are from – and more than 90 per cent are living on less than $5 a day.

We are deeply concerned about the sustainability of these returns. While 5 per cent of returnees surveyed say they intend to leave Afghanistan again, more than 10 per cent know a relative or community member who has already left since returning. These decisions are not driven by a desire to leave, but by the reality that many are unable to rebuild a viable and dignified life.

There are pockets of hope. We have seen that the socio-economic profile of returnees is evolving, with those who returned in 2025 generally having higher levels of education and labour market participation. With sustainable livelihood opportunities, returnees can apply their skills and experience and contribute to stabilization.

This year, our focus is on supporting the reintegration of returnees. We have the access, presence and experience over the last four decades in Afghanistan to deliver the assistance that communities say they most need, including protection services, housing and livelihood support, particularly for women.

With other UN agencies and partners, UNHCR is closely monitoring the regional situation, where asylum space continues to shrink and regulated migration pathways narrow. Afghans increasingly feel compelled to undertake dangerous onward journeys. We remain prepared to respond to population movements into Afghanistan, while also continuing to call on States to uphold access to asylum, protect and assist Afghan refugees, and ensure no one is returned to where their rights and freedoms are at risk.

With this dire humanitarian situation and rapidly increasing population, additional support is urgently needed in 2026 to scale up assistance and invest in reintegration, allowing people to rebuild their lives with dignity, hope and stability. For 2026, UNHCR needs $216 million to support displaced people and returnees across Afghanistan. Our response is currently just 8 per cent funded.

This is a critical moment to act while there is an opportunity to find long-term solutions and resolve displacement for Afghan returnees in their homeland, often after years or decades in exile.