Taliban Officials in Herat Warn Of Migrant Crisis As Iran Deports Thousands
Taliban officials in Herat province have warned of a looming humanitarian crisis following the mass deportation of more than 30000 Afghans from Iran in a single day.
Taliban officials in Herat province have warned of a looming humanitarian crisis following the mass deportation of more than 30000 Afghans from Iran in a single day.
Local authorities reported that the deportations, which occurred on Wednesday, 25 June, have overwhelmed the Islam Qala border crossing, a major entry point from Iran. The Taliban said additional government teams and NGOs have been deployed to manage the growing emergency.
The deportations coincide with increased regional tensions, as Iran engaged in a military conflict with Israel. The deteriorating security situation has prompted both Afghan migrants and some Iranian citizens to flee into Herat in search of safety.
Ahmadullah Muttaqi, director of information and culture for the Taliban in Herat, said around 600 passenger buses transported the migrants from Iran to the border. He confirmed that basic services including water, food and transport have been provided, though many returnees have complained about inadequate support.
On Thursday, local sources told Afghanistan International that Noor Ahmad Islamjar, the Taliban governor of Herat, visited the border and ordered immediate action to prevent a humanitarian crisis. The governor’s office confirmed the visit, stating that Islamjar instructed the acceleration of emergency aid and improvements to the migrant intake system.
Despite efforts on the ground, many returnees said they waited hours without assistance. Mohammad Rafi, who returned with his family, described “severe disorganisation” at the Islam Qala crossing.
The United Nations has warned that Afghanistan’s fragile situation worsened by drought, poverty, and strained infrastructure cannot support the mass influx. According to UN figures, more than 800000 Afghan migrants have been deported or returned voluntarily from Iran and Pakistan over the past six months.
“Every returnee deserves safety and dignity,” said Indrika Ratwatte, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan (UNAMA), in a statement Thursday. “But without urgent support, we risk seeing families slide deeper into poverty and despair.” Ratwatte added that the window to avert a full-scale humanitarian disaster is “rapidly closing.”
Some returnees cited fear for their personal safety during Iran’s 12-day military conflict as a key reason for leaving. Others had already planned to return but were delayed by the outbreak of violence.
