A tidal wave of Afghan returnees in 2025 could be the most significant humanitarian crisis I’ve seen in my career

Islamic Relief Afghanistan’s Communication and External Relations Manager, Dahir Abdullahi, was part of a team that visited the Torkham crossing point near the Afghanistan–Pakistan border in April. He previously visited Herat City on the border with Iran, where thousands of Afghan returnees are arriving from with just the clothes on their backs. In this blog, he shares his experience of meeting and interviewing returnees.

Reflecting on my 14 years of reporting on humanitarian crises in Africa and Asia, I can confidently say that nothing could have prepared me for what is unfolding in Afghanistan right now. I have a feeling that we are on the brink of witnessing one of the most significant humanitarian crises, potentially in decades or even in the last century.

I have previously covered 2 displacement emergencies: first, the massive influx of Somali refugees fleeing drought and famine in 2011, which overwhelmed Kenya’s Dadaab refugee camps with 130,000 new arrivals in just over 6 months. Second, Yemeni refugees seeking safety in Bosaso and Mogadishu in Somalia between 2015 and 2016, as conflict ravaged their homeland.

Yet, nothing could have prepared me for the sheer scale and severity of the return unfolding in Afghanistan right now before our very eyes.

Putting this into perspective, between January and June 2025, nearly 1 million Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan. In June alone, over a quarter of a million returned from Iran through the key crossing point of Islam Qala in Herat province. Despite these staggering figures, the resources available for the returnees are inadequate, and, alarmingly, this crisis has received little attention on the global stage.

The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan has long been complex and protracted, and many Afghans have travelled to neighbouring countries in search of stability and opportunities. The ongoing mass returns have been prompted by deportation initiatives targeting undocumented migrants.

It’s hard to fathom the scale of this movement of people and the challenges that lie ahead for those coming home to a country still grappling with instability, a rapidly declining economy, and the scars of decades of conflict. The plight of these individuals and families tugs at my heartstrings.

Many are returning to find their homes destroyed, communities fractured, and resources stretched thin. This is not just a statistic or a headline – it’s a human story. Each returnee carries their own tale of hardship and resilience, and, as an observer of such stories, I feel it is my duty to amplify their voices.

Beneath the scorching sun, families employ every means at their disposal to shield their children from the unforgiving heat. A mother moistens a scarf, carefully wiping her children’s faces to bring them relief. The eldest child ingeniously knots a strip of bed sheet, creating a narrow shade for the family as they nestle on the dusty ground. Nearby, a brother tenderly drapes a handkerchief over his younger sister, securing its ends to their luggage to protect them from the relentless sun. In this harsh environment, their resourcefulness and care for one another shine through, demonstrating their love in these most challenging moments.

Forced from home

In a poignant account of displacement, Fatima, a 51-year-old mother who previously lived in Tehran, reflects on the harsh realities of being forcibly removed from her home. With an emotional tremor in her voice, she says, “They came to our home, didn’t even allow us to gather our belongings, and deported us immediately.”

 As tears fill her eyes, she adds, “We arrived this morning with just 3 bags. They will not allow us to sell our stuff or transport it across to Afghanistan in an orderly way.”

Fatima, trying to find shelter from the sweltering heat under a piece of clothing, shares the challenges she faces after the loss of her husband. “He has passed away, and as the head of the family, I am now responsible for my 15-year-old son,” she explains. The family currently has no shelter and is waiting for a tent or someone to take them in, underscoring their precarious situation. “Even if I go to Herat, I have no home,” she adds.

The distress doesn’t end there. Fatima shares her son’s struggles: “I didn’t have a job in Iran, but my son worked as a street vendor. However, the police confiscated all his belongings.” Her plea is emphasised by the dismissive words of some locals in Iran: “You can complain if you want, but you are foreign nationals, you have no value here — leave our country.” Ultimately, this story sheds light on the profound challenges faced by individuals who are stripped of their dignity amid chaos and turmoil.

From a refugee to ruin

After 4 long years in Mashhad, Iran, Abdul returned to Afghanistan with his wife and 2 children, facing an uncertain future. His family spent 2 nights in a transit camp near the Islam Qala crossing point, along the Afghanistan–Iran border. They now live in a one-bedroom home in Herat City that his brother-in-law has temporarily offered them. “I struggled so much to find a home. I’m happy my family is settled,” Abdul reflected, aware that their dreams are now overshadowed by the need to survive.

Once a skilled mechanic leading a decent life, Abdul faced a harsh reality in his homeland. “My main problem is that I don’t have a job, which means I cannot feed my family. It’s unfair that my refugee life is better than life in my country,” he lamented, feeling the weight of his role as provider. His 19-year-old son, who dreamed of becoming an engineer, struggled with the disruption of his education, while his 7-year-old daughter missed her friends and the carefree joys of childhood.

Despite these challenges, hope still shines within him. “I hope to find a job soon, preferably as a mechanic or a driver.”

Driven back to darkness

As the borders reopen for returnees from Pakistan and Iran, a staggering reality unfolds for Afghan women and girls. Representing nearly half of those returning, they face significant barriers. They cannot pursue education beyond grade 6 or seek employment outside the health and education sectors, effectively shutting the door on their dreams.

The impact of these restrictions is severe, especially for women who previously thrived in the informal sector — such as tailoring, weaving, food processing, and beauty salons. Many now face the bleak reality of being restricted to their homes. This setback not only hampers their potential but also erodes the progress made towards women’s economic empowerment.

Moreover, the plight of school-aged returnee girls is especially heartbreaking. As countless girls are denied their right to education, they join millions of others already stripped of this fundamental right. Without the opportunity to learn and grow, the future of an entire generation hangs in the balance, trapped in a cycle of darkness and despair.

The displacement crisis in Afghanistan is a silent storm, poised to evolve into a catastrophic situation if not urgently addressed. Donors must recognise the gravity of this humanitarian crisis and provide the necessary support for returning families to reintegrate seamlessly into their communities. By responding now, we can prevent further aggravation of the challenges facing these communities and foster hope for a better future.

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*Name changed to protect identity