The Struggles of Afghan Returnees: A Harsh Reality Amid Economic and Climate Crises
A Harrowing Return
Herat, Afghanistan – As the sun beats down mercilessly on the Islam Qala border, the air is thick with dust, and temperatures soar to a sweltering 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Families huddle in the scant shade, shielding their faces with scarves, as they await assistance. For many, this harsh landscape marks their first encounter with home after years spent in exile.
Since September 2023, over four million Afghans have returned from neighboring Iran and Pakistan, with nearly 1.5 million making the journey back in 2025 alone. This mass movement is not merely a return to familiar ground; it is a desperate response to deteriorating economic conditions and the escalating impacts of climate change. According to data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), nearly 350,000 Afghans were displaced within the first four months of 2025, highlighting the ongoing crisis of internal displacement and cross-border migration.
Economic Turmoil and Climate Change
The reasons behind this unprecedented wave of returnees are multifaceted. In Iran, Afghan migrants were not just temporary laborers; they played crucial roles in sectors such as construction, agriculture, and manufacturing. Their departure has left significant gaps in Iran’s workforce, while those returning to Afghanistan face a daunting reality filled with uncertainty.
Maryam, a widow with two children, encapsulates the plight of many returnees. After living in Iran for six years, she finds herself back in Afghanistan with nothing-no job, no home, and no support system. “Now I have nothing,” she laments. Her greatest concern is not her own health issues, including kidney problems, but rather the future of her 15-year-old son, Sadeq. Instead of pursuing his education, Sadeq is forced to search for work, keeping his academic aspirations hidden to spare his mother further distress. For Maryam, this unspoken dream weighs heavier than any physical ailment.
The Economic Landscape
The World Bank’s 2025 Development Update paints a grim picture of Afghanistan’s economy. The influx of returnees has exacerbated unemployment, with an estimated 1.7 million additional young people expected to enter an already saturated labor market by 2030. Without significant investment in skills development, entrepreneurship, and job creation, many returnees may find themselves compelled to migrate once more.
The situation is dire, as the country grapples with a lack of infrastructure and resources. The return of millions has strained already limited services, making it increasingly difficult for families to secure basic necessities. The economic landscape is further complicated by ongoing political instability, which has hindered efforts to rebuild and develop the nation.
Initiatives for Stability
In response to this crisis, the IOM has been actively working to provide support to returnees and internally displaced individuals. Since 2024, the organization has offered skills training to nearly 3,000 returnees, internally displaced people, and vulnerable members of host communities. Additionally, IOM has supported over 2,600 businesses, with 22 percent of these enterprises owned by women, generating nearly 12,000 jobs, including over 4,200 specifically for women.
While these initiatives are crucial for fostering stability and dignity, they represent only a fraction of what is needed to address the overwhelming challenges facing returnees. Increased funding and resources are essential for IOM and other organizations to expand their efforts, reduce the risks of repeat migration, and help returnees rebuild their lives with dignity.
A Broader Context
The situation in Afghanistan is not an isolated incident; it reflects a broader trend of migration driven by economic hardship and environmental factors. Globally, millions are displaced due to similar circumstances, with climate change increasingly recognized as a significant driver of migration. The United Nations has warned that without urgent action to address climate change, the number of displaced individuals could rise dramatically in the coming years.
Historically, Afghanistan has faced cycles of displacement due to conflict, economic instability, and natural disasters. The return of millions of Afghans is reminiscent of previous waves of migration, such as those following the Soviet invasion in the 1980s and the U.S. invasion in 2001. Each time, the challenges of reintegration and rebuilding have proven formidable.
Conclusion
The plight of Afghan returnees is a stark reminder of the complex interplay between economic conditions, climate change, and migration. As families like Maryam’s navigate the harsh realities of their return, the need for comprehensive support and investment in Afghanistan’s future has never been more urgent. Without concerted efforts to address these challenges, the cycle of migration may continue, leaving countless individuals and families in a state of uncertainty and despair. The international community must recognize the gravity of the situation and act decisively to support those who have returned home, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to rebuild their lives.
