Afghan migrants return to Taliban rule as Iran's economy collapses
by@Reuters
Summary
Thousands of Afghan migrants are returning to Taliban rule in Afghanistan from Iran, where they have been impoverished by the ongoing economic crisis influenced by regional conflict and international sanctions. Many, like Mohammad Saeed and his family, fled to Iran to escape Taliban control after its takeover in 2021 but found their savings depleted due to soaring inflation and a collapsing economy in Iran. Reports indicate that about 29% of recent returnees left with any savings, and at least 20 to 40 families cross back into Afghanistan each day, prompted by a lack of job opportunities and harsh living conditions in Iran, particularly for women under Taliban restrictions on education and employment.
Analysis
Taliban: The Taliban is an Islamist political and military organization that regained control of Afghanistan in 2021 and serves as the country's de facto government. In this news, Afghan returnees from Iran are confronting the group's strict rules, including limits on women's education, travel, and employment, as they resettle under its authority. Abdul Jabbar: Abdul Jabbar is an Afghan migrant who lived and worked in Iran for nearly four decades before returning with his extended family due to the impact of regional conflict on employment. He and his relatives now face unemployment and basic living difficulties in Afghanistan after decades abroad. Rezwana Jami: Rezwana Jami is an Afghan migrant and mother who established a cheese production business while living in Iran after 2021. She and her family have returned to Afghanistan amid Iran's economic difficulties and are attempting to restart the business there despite supply challenges and family adjustment issues. Mohammad Saeed: Mohammad Saeed is a young Afghan migrant who fled to Iran with his family in 2021 to escape the Taliban's return to power. He and his relatives have now returned to Afghanistan after Iran's economic crisis eroded their savings, highlighting the challenges faced by recent returnees. Abdul Ghani Qazizadeh: Abdul Ghani Qazizadeh is a senior Taliban government official stationed at the Islam Qala border crossing. He oversees the daily influx of returning Afghan families from Iran and comments on the economic pressures driving the voluntary returns. Sayed Jawed Qazi Khani: Sayed Jawed Qazi Khani is an Afghan migrant who previously worked as a salesman in Iran's bazaars before the economic collapse. He has returned to Afghanistan and described the shift from profitable trade to low-wage day labor amid vanishing consumer demand. Afghan Return Trends: Increasing numbers of Afghan families, including women and girls, are returning from Iran to Afghanistan as economic opportunities there diminish and deportation pressures continue. Iran Economic Pressures: Iran's economy has faced severe strain from regional conflict with the United States and Israel combined with international sanctions, resulting in widespread job losses and inflation that particularly affects migrant workers. Taliban Policies on Women: The Taliban maintains restrictions on women's access to education beyond basic levels, employment in many fields, and independent travel, creating difficult reintegration conditions for returning families.
Categories
macropolitics