Afghanistan’s Population Hits 48.6 Million as Migrants Return

Afghanistan is currently facing rapid population growth and the mass return of migrants from neighboring countries. According to the United Nations, the country’s population has reached 48.6 million, driven by the return of 5.4 million Afghans from Iran and Pakistan since late 2023.

In my opinion, this is a serious challenge if not addressed properly. Returnees face unemployment, housing shortages, and extreme poverty. According to a UNHCR survey, 90% of returnee families live on less than $5 per day.

However, if this young population is provided with education and job opportunities, it could become a valuable asset for Afghanistan’s future. But if the situation continues as it is, the humanitarian crisis will only deepen.

As the UNHCR report highlights, $216 million is urgently needed to support returnees and displaced families, yet only 8% of the funding has been secured so far. The international community must act now before it’s too late. Read more on this in my blog article here.