Afghanistan Returnees Overview 1 Feb - 31 March 2026

The first quarter of 2026 saw a sustained influx of Afghan returnees, approximately 320,146 individuals crossed back into Afghanistan between January and March, the vast majority—over 150,000—recorded in January alone. This continued population movement is driven primarily by the persistent enforcement of Pakistan’s “Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan” (IFRP) and intensified deportations from Iran, often linked to economic pressures and shifting migration policies. While daily return rates showed a slight moderation compared to the peak months of 2025, the cumulative impact remains staggering: since September 2023, over 5.5 million Afghans have returned, equivalent to roughly 12% of the country’s total population. The crisis has been compounded by prolonged border closures—all five key crossing points with Pakistan remained shut for non-return movements throughout January—severely disrupting trade and access to essential supplies, including medicines. As returnees arrive during harsh winter conditions, humanitarian and Basic Human Needs (BHN) systems remain overstretched, with persistent gaps in food security, housing, documentation, and protection. This population surge has placed immense strain on already fragile host communities, overwhelming local infrastructure (water, sanitation, and primary healthcare facilities) and markets (housing, labour). Women and children, who constitute a significant portion of the returnee demographic, face heightened protection risks, including increased exposure to gender-based violence and a sharp rise in child labour and school dropouts as households grapple with acute poverty. Funding shortfalls threaten the scalability and sustainability of (re-)integration assistance, leaving millions of returnees in a precarious state with limited pathways to durable solutions.