Daily returns of Afghans from Iran have surged to 1,000-2,000 through Herat’s Islam Qala border as protests subside. Migrants report increased police pressure, beatings and family separations. Officials call for urgent humanitarian aid ahead of winter.
Afghan deportations from Iran have increased sharply following the decline of protests in Iran. Local authorities in Herat report between 1,000 and 2,000 individuals return daily through the Islam Qala border crossing. Most are families facing harsh conditions. Afghan deportations from Iran now strain resources at the border. The surge comes after a temporary drop in family deportations during unrest.
Afghan Deportations Iran Surge
Afghan deportations Iran surge reflects changing conditions after protests eased. Abdul Zahir Rahmani, acting head of the Directorate for Refugees and Repatriations at Islam Qala, confirmed the daily figures. He noted deportations of families had decreased during protests due to unfavourable conditions for travel. Afghan deportations from Iran now primarily affect families. The increase raises concerns about capacity to receive and support returnees in winter.
Migrants describe difficult lives in Iran. Documents were invalidated. Children lost school access. Living costs rose sharply. Afghan deportations from Iran separate families. One deportee spent two months apart from his wife and three children.
Afghans Deported Herat Islam Qala
Afghans deported Herat Islam Qala arrive daily in large numbers. Rahmatullah reunited with his family after two months of separation. He said invalid documents barred children from school and living costs became unaffordable. Afghan deportations from Iran left him stranded in Afghanistan while his family remained in Iran. The separation caused immense hardship.
Saeed reported increased arrests and beatings by Iranian police. Officers confiscated money during returns. He was beaten severely and now requires assistance to walk. Afghans deported Herat Islam Qala often arrive injured or without funds. Mohammad Ismail said his underage son and brother faced deportation. His brother reached Afghanistan but his wife and children stayed behind. Those without money endure week-long detention in camps.
Iran Protests Afghan Returns
Iran protests Afghan returns slowed temporarily but surged once demonstrations subsided. Pressure on Afghan migrants intensified during unrest. Afghan deportations from Iran included more arrests and physical abuse. Migrants report police beatings and theft during transit. Iran protests Afghan returns worsened living conditions for the community. Deportees now face winter hardships without adequate support.
The Islam Qala crossing handles the bulk of returns. Afghan deportations Iran surge overwhelms local reception capacity. Families arrive exhausted. Many lack resources for immediate needs. Aid organisations face funding gaps to provide shelter, food and medical care.
Background
Afghanistan continues to receive large numbers of returnees from neighbouring countries. IOM recorded over 714,000 Afghan returns from Iran between January and June 2025. Of these 256,000 arrived in June alone. Total returns from Iran and Pakistan exceeded 1.5 million in 2025. Afghan deportations from Iran form a major portion of inflows. The pattern repeats seasonal pressures and policy shifts in host countries.
Returnees reintegrate into a country facing economic challenges and limited jobs. Winter exacerbates vulnerabilities. Many arrive without savings or shelter. Families with children require special support. Afghan deportations Iran surge adds to existing humanitarian strain. South Asia sees parallel movements from Pakistan. Cross-border returns affect regional stability and resource allocation.
The Islamic Emirate authorities manage reception at border points. Limited infrastructure handles daily influxes. International organisations such as IOM provide assistance at reception centres. Yet funding shortfalls persist. Deportees call for employment schemes and humanitarian aid. Winter temperatures in Herat drop sharply. Exposure risks rise without proper shelter.
What’s Next
Afghan deportations from Iran are likely to continue amid ongoing policies in Iran. Local officials urge government and aid agencies to scale support. Focus will shift to winter preparedness and job creation for returnees. Afghan deportations Iran surge demands coordinated response to prevent further hardship. Monitoring at Herat Islam Qala will remain critical. Iran protests Afghan returns may influence future deportation patterns. Sustained international assistance is essential to manage inflows and support reintegration.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 21st, 2026
Follow SouthAsianDesk on X, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business and current affairs from across South Asia.
