Return of millions of Afghans from Pakistan and Iran strains Afghanistan.

UNHCR says about 5.4 million people have returned to Afghanistan since October 2023, mostly from Pakistan and Iran, and the rapid influx has placed severe strain on the country's resources and services.

UNHCR's Afghanistan representative, Arafat Jamal, told a U.N. briefing that roughly 5.4 million people have returned to Afghanistan since October 2023, mostly from Pakistan and Iran. Many returnees include people born and long settled in neighbouring countries who crossed the border after crackdowns on undocumented migrants. Afghan authorities are providing basic care packages and transport, while U.N. agencies report the situation is stretching already limited resources. Key verified points: - UNHCR reported about 5.4 million returns to Afghanistan since October 2023, including 2.9 million in the previous year. - The returns followed large-scale crackdowns on migrants in Pakistan and Iran that began in late 2023. - U.N. agencies and Afghan officials say the influx amounts to about 12% of the population and has increased humanitarian needs and negative coping mechanisms among affected families. - No specific next procedural step was announced in the briefing; Undetermined at this time. Summary: The rapid return of millions of people has increased pressure on Afghanistan's economy, public services and humanitarian response, according to U.N. statements. Undetermined at this time.