The Taliban’s High Commission for Addressing Migrants’ Affairs has reported that more than half a million Afghan migrants have returned from Iran over the past 19 days, with a significant portion forcibly deported.

In a statement issued Saturday, 12 July, the commission said a total of 505389 Afghan nationals entered the country through the Islam Qala and Pul-e Abrisham border crossings during the period.

According to the commission, 212322 individuals were forcibly deported, while 293067 returned voluntarily.

On Thursday, 11 July alone, Iranian authorities deported 32738 Afghans, the statement added. The following day, 30519 individuals crossed into Afghanistan via the two key border points.

The mass return of Afghan migrants from Iran continues amid mounting international concern over forced deportations and the capacity of Taliban and humanitarian agencies to support the growing influx.