Coinciding with December 18, International Migrants Day, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reported that more than 1.2 million Afghan migrants returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan and Iran in 2024.

According to the organization’s statistics, over 1.1 million people returned from Iran, 80,500 from Pakistan, and 100,000 entered Afghanistan by air.

The IOM report stated: "This year, IOM response teams have recorded more than 1.2 million undocumented migrants returning to Afghanistan through four border crossings with Pakistan and Iran, and another 100,000 people arriving at Kabul airport. Of the approximate 80,500 individuals who returned from Pakistan, most indicated that they came back due to the struggle to secure sustainable incomes and Pakistan's policies on the expulsion of undocumented migrants.”

On the other hand, migrants deported from other countries have complained about the mistreatment of undocumented migrants by host countries.

Matiullah, who migrated to Iran four years ago due to unemployment and was deported for lacking residency documents, told TOLOnews: "The treatment of Iranian forces is aimed at improving their own country, and they impose stricter restrictions on Afghan migrants."

Some Afghan migrants living in neighboring countries have called on host nations to provide the basic facilities and rights that migrants are entitled to.

Malik Mujahid Shinwari, an Afghan migrant in Pakistan, said: "On International Migrants Day, we call on Pakistan to treat Afghans with the kindness of a Muslim brother."

Asifa Stanekzai, an advocate for migrant rights, highlighted improving migrant conditions, stating: "Diplomatic dialogues between Afghanistan and host countries should take place regarding migrants so that those living in uncertainty without residency documents can have their situations addressed promptly."

Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, stated on International Migrants Day that this day serves as an opportunity to reflect on challenges such as prejudice, discrimination, violence, exploitation, and the unimaginable cruelty of human trafficking that migrants face.

The European Union also expressed its support for Afghan migrants, internally displaced persons, and returnees, pledging assistance in areas such as education, employment, and improving their economic situation.

Abdul Basit Ansari, a migration expert, told TOLOnews: "International organizations, particularly UNHCR and other entities working to improve the conditions of migrants, have a greater responsibility in this regard. They need to act and engage with host countries to ensure we see tangible improvements in the situation of our migrants."

Previously, the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations reported that in the first eight months of the current solar year, over 900,000 Afghan migrants returned to the country from Iran, Turkey, and Pakistan.