Reuters said in a recent report that the deepening economic crisis in Iran has forced more Afghan migrants to return to Afghanistan despite the Taliban’s widespread restrictions, particularly those imposed on women and girls.
Reuters reported on Thursday, September 17, that thousands of Afghans have returned to Afghanistan amid increasing economic pressures in Iran, including sharp price increases, currency depreciation, and the loss of employment opportunities.
According to data from Iran’s Statistical Center, the intensification of sanctions and the U.S. naval blockade has recently resulted in Iran having no significant crude oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz.
The report said consumer prices in Iran have increased by nearly 90 percent compared with the previous year.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) also said that only 29 percent of Afghans who recently returned from Iran have savings.
According to international organizations, more than two million Afghans have left Iran over the past two years.
However, the Reuters report shows that in recent months, returns have not been limited to those who were deported, with the number of women and families among returnees increasing.
Forced deportation remains one of the main factors driving Afghans to return from Iran, but the economic crisis and declining employment opportunities have also become important factors in their decision to return.
