UN Predicts Massive Return of Afghan Migrants in 2026: Urgent Need for Support

The United Nations has announced that this year, 2.7 million Afghan migrants will return from Iran and Pakistan, requiring humanitarian assistance and educational programs.

Afghanistan Faces Return of 2.7 Million Migrants This Year

Herat — During her visit to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Georgette Gagnon, head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), visited the Islam Qala border crossing, which serves as a primary entry point for Afghan migrants returning from Iran. The purpose of this visit was to assess the aid and support programs from the UN and partner organizations for returnees from Iran and Pakistan.

The UN predicts that from March to December of this year (2026), approximately 2.7 million Afghan migrants will return to the country. Humanitarian agencies within the organization had requested a budget of $529 million earlier this year to address the urgent needs of these returnees.

Humanitarian Services at the Islam Qala Border

Currently, humanitarian teams at Islam Qala are providing health and counseling services, emergency assistance, and registration for vulnerable families. UN officials have emphasized that support for returnees should not be limited to the initial days of their return. These families require shelter, medical services, education, and job opportunities as they settle back into their communities.

To facilitate this, educational programs including English language learning and computer skills have been designed to assist returnees in improving their living conditions.

Pressure on Afghanistan’s Resources and Call for Increased Support

The UN is concerned about the strain this wave of return will place on Afghanistan’s already limited resources and has urged the interim government in Kabul to provide additional support for returnees and host communities. The organization has also called on the international community to secure the necessary financial resources to continue humanitarian activities in the country.