Over 393,000 vulnerable Afghan returnees assisted with EU support: IOM — Pajhwok

KABUL (Pajhwok): The International Organization for Migration (IOM) says it has assisted more than 393,000 vulnerable Afghan returnees with support from the European Union between March 2025 and May 2026, stressing the urgent need for continued humanitarian assistance and long-term solutions for their safe and sustainable reintegration. In a statement, IOM said the assistance was provided as Afghanistan experienced a large-scale return of migrants, repeated natural disasters and growing humanitarian needs. According to the organization, returns from Pakistan increased significantly during the period, while an unprecedented number of Afghans also returned from Iran. Devastating earthquakes further increased pressure on border facilities, essential services and communities receiving returnees. IOM said more than 393,000 vulnerable returnees entering Afghanistan through border crossings in Herat, Nimroz, Kandahar, Helmand and Nangarhar provinces received immediate assistance under the programme. Based on returnees’ urgent needs, the assistance included temporary shelter, primary healthcare, transportation and cash support to meet basic needs. The organization said many of those assisted had returned with limited resources after living outside Afghanistan for years or even decades. With EU support, IOM also strengthened access to essential healthcare services, including mental health and psychosocial support, for returnees, host communities and internally displaced people in areas near border crossings. According to IOM, the programme provided 72,694 health, mental health and psychosocial support consultations to 68,454…