The Taliban’s High Commission for Addressing Migrants’ Issues reported that a total of 3357 Afghan migrants were deported from Iran and Pakistan on Friday, 16 May, marking one of the highest single-day returns in recent months.

According to the commission’s statement, 1934 Afghans were deported from Iran, while 1423 were expelled from Pakistan. The returnees entered Afghanistan through various official border crossings, including Torkham, Spin Boldak, Bahramcha, Angoor Ada, Pul-e Abrisham, and Islam Qala.

The Taliban authorities stated that returning migrants collectively received over six million Afghanis in cash assistance. Of those deported, 1725 individuals who had been residing in Kabul were relocated to several provinces, including Paktia, Khost, Nangarhar, Laghman, Baghlan, Kunduz, Takhar, Samangan, Balkh, Badakhshan, Faryab, and Sar-e Pol.

The mass deportations come amid intensified efforts by both Iran and Pakistan to reduce the number of undocumented Afghan migrants within their borders.

Iran’s Ministry of Interior has announced plans to deport up to two million undocumented Afghan nationals. Meanwhile, Pakistan has tightened its visa extension process and increased arrests and forced removals of Afghan refugees and asylum seekers.

These actions have drawn criticism from human rights organisations, which warn that many of the deportees face potential threats, persecution, or economic hardship upon their return to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.