Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai warned that the forced repatriation of Afghan migrants under current conditions would not resolve the migration crisis but could instead lead to "more serious threats."
In a statement posted on his official X account, Karzai pointed to Afghanistan's long history of forced displacement over the past four decades, including during the Soviet invasion, and highlighted concerns about a new wave of displacement currently emerging. He cautioned that compelling migrants to return amid Afghanistan’s ongoing internal crises could have dangerous consequences and create further instability.
Acknowledging the pressures faced by countries hosting large numbers of Afghan migrants, Karzai said that Afghans recognise the challenges associated with large-scale migration and understand the difficulties faced by host countries. However, he stressed that the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan has eliminated the conditions necessary for a safe return.
Karzai urged host governments, without naming specific nations, to reconsider decisions on mass deportations, taking into account Afghanistan’s internal challenges, including the continued closure of schools and universities for girls and the nation's severe economic crisis.
In recent months, neighbouring countries, particularly Iran and Pakistan, have increased the forced repatriation of Afghan migrants. Human rights organisations have simultaneously expressed growing concern over the legal, economic, and security risks facing returnees.
