Afghan Returnees Face Harsh Realities Amid Economic and Climate Crises

The situation for Afghan returnees is dire as they grapple with the dual challenges of an unstable economy and the effects of climate change. Since September 2023, over four million Afghans have returned from neighboring countries, particularly Iran and Pakistan, with nearly 1.5 million returning in just the first few months of 2025. This massive return is largely a result of deteriorating conditions in these host countries, coupled with the precarious state of Afghanistan’s economy.

The Scale of Displacement

According to data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), nearly 350,000 Afghans were displaced within the first four months of 2025 alone. This figure includes both internal displacements and cross-border migrations, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis facing the Afghan population. The influx of returnees has intensified the already high unemployment rates, with estimates suggesting that around 1.7 million additional young people will enter a labor market that is struggling to accommodate them by 2030.

Skills Training and Job Creation Efforts

In response to the growing need for employment opportunities, the IOM has taken proactive measures to assist returnees and internally displaced individuals. Since 2024, the organization has provided skills training to nearly 3,000 individuals, including returnees, internally displaced persons, and vulnerable members of host communities. Furthermore, IOM has supported over 2,600 businesses, 22 percent of which are owned by women, contributing to the creation of almost 12,000 jobs, including more than 4,200 jobs specifically for women.

Despite these efforts, the scale of the challenge remains daunting. Many returnees find themselves in a precarious situation, with limited resources and opportunities. The need for substantial investment in skills development, entrepreneurship, and job creation is critical to prevent further migration and help returnees rebuild their lives.

Personal Stories of Struggle

Among the returnees is Maryam, a widow who has faced immense hardship. After living in Iran for six years, she returned to Afghanistan with her two children, only to find herself without a job, home, or support network. “Now I have nothing – no job, no home, and no one to turn to,” she lamented at the Islam Qala border, where returning families endure harsh conditions. The relentless wind carries dust that clings to their skin, while temperatures soar to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), creating an inhospitable environment for those who have just returned.

Maryam’s greatest pain, however, comes from watching her 15-year-old son, Sadeq, search for work instead of attending school. He keeps his educational aspirations hidden to spare his mother additional worry, but this unspoken dream weighs heavily on both of them.

Economic Challenges and Climate Impact

The economic landscape in Afghanistan remains fragile, as highlighted in the World Bank’s 2025 Development Update. The country’s economy continues to struggle under the weight of both internal and external pressures, making it increasingly difficult for returnees to reintegrate successfully. The mass movement of people back to Afghanistan is primarily driven by worsening economic conditions and the adverse effects of climate change, which have exacerbated the already challenging living conditions.

In Iran, many Afghans were not just temporary laborers; they played crucial roles in the construction, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors. Their departure has left significant gaps in the Iranian workforce, while those returning to Afghanistan face profound uncertainty regarding their future.

The Need for Increased Support

While initiatives from organizations like the IOM provide essential support to Afghan returnees, they represent only a small fraction of what is necessary to address the scale of the crisis. Increased funding and resources are vital to ensure greater stability for returnees, reduce the risk of repeat migration, and help individuals rebuild their lives with dignity.

Families returning to Afghanistan are not just looking for assistance; they are seeking a chance to start anew in an environment that has become increasingly inhospitable. The challenges they face are immense, and without adequate support and investment, many may find themselves forced to migrate once again in search of better opportunities.

Conclusion

The plight of Afghan returnees serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing humanitarian challenges faced by millions around the world. As they navigate the complexities of reintegration into a struggling economy, the need for comprehensive support systems becomes more critical than ever.

Key Facts

– Over four million Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan since September 2023.
– Nearly 1.5 million of these returnees arrived in the first four months of 2025.
– The IOM has provided skills training to nearly 3,000 individuals since 2024.
– Over 2,600 businesses have been supported by the IOM, creating approximately 12,000 jobs.
– The Afghan economy remains precarious, with significant challenges due to internal displacement and climate change impacts.

Source: www.aljazeera.com