Families Torn Apart: Afghan Migration Driven by Lack of Job Opportunities

Unemployment and a lack of job opportunities in Afghanistan are forcing families to separate and migrate. A mother from northern Afghanistan shares her struggles with life and the absence of her husband.

Family Separation; Afghan Migration to Saudi Arabia

The three children in northern Afghanistan mainly see their father through phone calls. He works in Saudi Arabia to support the family’s living expenses. The mother of these children reveals that her husband left for work in Saudi Arabia nearly a decade ago and is employed in construction. She states that throughout their seven years of marriage, they’ve only managed to meet every two to three years.

In an interview with the media, this unnamed woman remarked, “For my children, I am both a mother and a father because my husband is a traveler.” While she did not disclose her husband’s income, she mentioned that it is sufficient to cover their living costs in Afghanistan.

Challenges of Life and Husband’s Absence

She continued, “What would our life be like if my husband didn’t migrate? How would we manage our living expenses? If we don’t accept difficult conditions, how can we provide for our three children?” The mother also added that in the past, she had taken on most of the responsibilities for raising and caring for her children alone, and the distance from her husband has been painful for her.

She expressed, “After their father returns, my children get used to him again, but when he leaves, they experience separation all over again.”

Job Market Conditions in Afghanistan and Challenges for Women

On April 25, 2026, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Taliban announced efforts to create job opportunities and enhance vocational training. Nevertheless, statistics from international organizations depict a troubling job market. According to a World Bank report in April 2025, unemployment among youth has risen, with the unemployment rate for young men aged 15 to 29 reaching 22 percent in 2023.

The International Labour Organization also reported on August 18, 2026, that the labor force participation rate for women stands at just 5.1 percent. This mother expressed that despite holding a bachelor’s degree and having the capability to work, she has been unable to find a job due to employment restrictions for women.

She stated, “If my husband could find a job in Afghanistan, even with a low income, I would prefer for our family to live together again.” She added earnestly, “If I knew my husband was making ten thousand Afghanis a month in Afghanistan, I wouldn’t let him travel for even a second.”