UN expects 3 million Afghans to return this year

A UN official announced on Friday that approximately 3 million Afghan refugees are expected to return to Afghanistan this year, exacerbating the existing humanitarian crisis. This surge in returns is largely due to new policies in Iran and Pakistan affecting displaced Afghans, with Iran having ordered millions to leave. Over 1.6 million Afghans have already returned in 2025, exceeding initial UN forecasts. The UN is providing emergency aid, including water and sanitation, as many returnees arrive exhausted and traumatized, often reporting pressure from Iranian authorities.