Turkey has recently deported 325 Afghan migrants, both documented and undocumented, in a two-day operation as part of an increasing crackdown on Afghan refugees. The deportees, mainly from Istanbul, were returned to Afghanistan on November 10, where they were greeted by officials from the Taliban’s Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations. Upon arrival, the migrants received €150 in financial assistance from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
This deportation is part of a wider regional trend of forced expulsions, with neighboring countries like Iran and Pakistan also sending large numbers of Afghan refugees back to Afghanistan. In the past month, an estimated 400,000 Afghans have been deported from these countries, with Iran reportedly expelling up to 3,000 individuals daily.
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Turkey’s handling of Afghan migrants has drawn international criticism, with human rights groups such as Human Rights Watch raising concerns over coercion in “voluntary” repatriations. Many Afghan refugees are reportedly pushed to sign documents agreeing to return home, despite their desire for asylum. Refugees, especially women and children, have also faced mistreatment during deportation.
The return of these migrants is placing additional strain on Afghanistan’s already fragile infrastructure, especially as winter approaches, worsening the humanitarian crisis. Experts warn that the situation could lead to further instability, as Afghanistan’s government struggles to manage the influx and provide adequate support for reintegration.
