UNHCR Reports Shocking Daily Deportation of 4,300 Afghan Refugees from Iran

Afghan refugees continue to return from Iran in significant numbers, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian situation and migration trends in the region. According to a press release from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), an average of 4,300 Afghan refugees returned daily between September 11 and 17, 2025. This marks a notable decline compared to previous weeks but still reflects a substantial outflow of individuals seeking safety and stability.

After June 13, 2025, there was a sharp increase in the rate of returns, peaking after June 25. However, the current average daily return rate of 4,300 is lower than the 7,400 reported in the previous week. Despite the decrease, it remains significantly higher than the average of approximately 3,500 observed in the first quarter of 2025.

Current Statistics on Returns

As of September 17, 2025, over 1.79 million Afghans have returned from Iran since March 20, 2025. In total, more than 2 million have returned since the start of the year, contributing to a cumulative figure of over 2.7 million returns from both Iran and Pakistan in 2025.

Breakdown of Returns by Documentation Status

• From September 11 to 17, 33% of returnees were headcount slip holders.
• In the same period, 35% of deportees also held headcount slips.
• Since March 20, approximately 44% of both returnees and deportees were headcount slip holders.

Deportation Trends

In 2025, 1.24 million of the total returns, constituting 60%, were classified as deportations. Notably, over 816,000 of these deportations occurred after June 13. July 2025 recorded the highest monthly deportation figures in the past three years, with a staggering total of 460,000 individuals deported.

During the reporting period from September 11 to 17, over 30,400 individuals were deported. The majority, approximately 75%, crossed through the Islam Qala border point, while 25% passed through the Zaranj border point. The deportation rate accounted for 62% of the total returns in that week.

Meeting on Solution Strategy for Afghan Refugees

A significant meeting regarding the Solution Strategy for Afghan Refugees (SSAR) was convened in Tehran on September 3, 2025. The session was co-chaired by Nader Yar-Ahmadi, head of the National Organization for Migration, and Mohammad Hassani Nejad Pirkouhi, Director-General for International Environmental and Sustainable Development Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Key participants included:

• Stefan Priesner, Dutch Chargé d’affaires to Iran and head of the SSAR group.
• UN Resident Coordinator in Iran.
• Representatives from international organizations, including UNICEF, UNHCR, IOM, UNDP, and WHO.
• Diplomatic representatives from Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Turkey, Switzerland, Denmark, and South Korea.

During the meeting, Yar-Ahmadi emphasized Iran’s long-standing role as a host for Afghan refugees, noting the significant influx of Afghan migrants in recent years. He criticized the inadequate response from the international community, particularly Western nations and SSAR member states, in addressing the refugee crisis.

Hassani Nejad Pirkouhi underscored Iran’s exceptional humanitarian efforts in hosting refugees, while also pointing out the failures of the international community, particularly European countries, to meet their commitments under international refugee law. He argued that political and selective approaches, along with unilateral sanctions, have worsened the conditions for both refugees and the Iranian population.

During the discussions, the UNHCR representative suggested the possibility of trilateral talks involving Iran and Afghanistan. Iranian officials expressed their willingness to engage in quadrilateral discussions that would include Pakistan, advocating for better coordination in addressing the refugee situation.

The Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees (SSAR), established in 2012 with the collaboration of Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, aims to promote a regional approach to refugee solutions. It seeks to enhance burden and responsibility-sharing for refugees on both regional and global levels, reflecting the ongoing need for cooperative efforts in managing the refugee crisis effectively.

The situation for Afghan refugees remains critical, and continued monitoring and support from the international community are essential to address their needs while fostering stability in the region.