The Taliban’s High Commission for Addressing Migrants’ Affairs has reported that more than 20000 Afghan migrants were deported from Iran on Wednesday, 16 July, marking one of the highest single-day returns to date.

According to the commission, a total of 20044 individuals were returned to Afghanistan. Of these, 15208 crossed into the country via the Islam Qala border, while an additional 4836 entered through the Pul-e Abrisham crossing.

The Taliban also stated that 490 Afghan migrants were deported through the Torkham border, 434 through Spin Boldak, and 12 via the Bahramcha crossing from Pakistan.

Afghan migrants across the region are facing an escalating wave of mass deportations. On Monday, the United Nations reported that Iran and Pakistan have deported more than 1.6 million Afghan nationals over the past year.

In neighbouring Tajikistan, sources told Afghanistan International that the government has recently intensified arrests and deportations of Afghan migrants. However, Tajik authorities have not issued an official statement on the matter.