Afghanistan, UN refugee agency seek closer coordination as more than 6 million return

Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and UN refugee agency representative Arafat Jamal discussed closer coordination on refugee returns on Sunday, with more than six million Afghans returning to the country since 2023.

The Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the talks focused on the safe and dignified return of Afghan refugees, support for returnees after their arrival and closer coordination with countries and organisations involved in the process.

The ministry said support for people returning to Afghanistan was a key focus of the discussion.

“During the meeting, they discussed the safe and dignified return of Afghan refugees to Afghanistan and support for returnees.”

More than six million returns

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) says more than six million Afghans have returned from neighbouring countries since September 2023, many after years or decades abroad.

UN data shows that 470,060 Afghans were deported to Afghanistan in 2026 as of 29 August. Of those, about 404,400 were deported from Iran and 64,400 from Pakistan.

UNHCR says its overall return figures include deportations, assisted voluntary repatriation and other forms of return.

Focus on reintegration

The ministry said Muttaqi and Jamal also discussed strengthening cooperation between Afghanistan and UNHCR and coordinating international efforts to improve conditions for returnees.

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The talks also addressed the responsibilities of countries and organisations involved in refugee returns, according to the ministry.

“They also discussed strengthening effective cooperation and coordination between Afghanistan and UNHCR to further improve the situation of returnees, as well as coordinating the efforts of relevant countries and organisations that have responsibilities and an interest in this area.”

UNHCR has warned that the scale of returns is putting additional pressure on communities already facing poverty and limited services. It has called for sustained international support for housing, livelihoods and protection.

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Afghanistan UNHCR Refugees Pakistan Humanitarian aid