The Taliban’s High Commission for Migrants’ Affairs has reported that more than 16000 Afghan migrants were deported from Iran in a single day on Tuesday, 8 July.

According to figures released by the commission, 13324 individuals returned to Afghanistan via the Islam Qala border crossing, while 3289 crossed through the Pul-e-Abrisham border crossing.

The commission also stated that on the same day, 2010 migrant families re-entered the country through Islam Qala and 496 families through Pul-e-Abrisham.

In addition, the Taliban reported that 237 Afghan migrants returned from Pakistan through the Spin Boldak border crossing and another 255 via the Torkham crossing.

Iran and Pakistan have significantly increased deportations of undocumented Afghan nationals in recent months, citing security and legal concerns. Human rights groups have raised alarms over the conditions faced by deportees, many of whom lack access to basic services upon return.