Repatriation of Undocumented Afghan Nationals Slows Amid Winter Concerns

KHYBER: The repatriation of undocumented Afghan nationals has significantly decreased in recent weeks, with officials citing poor living conditions and the looming harsh winter in Afghanistan as primary factors. Reports indicate that only 10 to 15 families are returning daily, a stark contrast to the hundreds recorded in August and September.

According to sources from Landi Kotal and Torkham, the Hamza Baba registration centre has seen a dramatic drop in the number of individuals returning, with only about 100 people, primarily children, making the journey back compared to over 1,000 daily until late September. An official at the centre noted that the registration process has become more inclusive, now accommodating children as young as three years old, a shift from previous practices where younger children were not registered due to workload constraints.

This decline in repatriation poses significant implications for both the Afghan nationals and the local communities in Khyber. Many families returning now are those whose male heads were forcibly deported recently, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by undocumented migrants. The deteriorating conditions in Afghanistan, coupled with the impending winter, raise concerns about the safety and well-being of those who are returning.

As the situation evolves, officials are monitoring the repatriation process closely, with expectations that the numbers may fluctuate as winter progresses. Further discussions on improving living conditions for returnees and addressing the challenges faced by Afghan nationals in Pakistan are anticipated in upcoming meetings.