A total of 577 Afghan refugee families returned to their homeland on Monday, marking a significant rise in ongoing repatriation efforts and reflecting a broader movement of displaced Afghans returning home after years abroad.

According to local sources, the families entered Afghanistan through several official border crossings, including key entry points from neighboring countries. The returns are part of a coordinated process aimed at facilitating the safe and orderly repatriation of Afghan nationals who had been living as refugees due to decades of conflict, insecurity, and economic hardship.

Upon arrival, the returnees were received by relevant authorities of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, which has stepped up efforts in recent months to assist returning families. Assistance provided included initial food aid, temporary shelter support, transportation to home provinces, and basic registration services to help families reintegrate into their communities.

Officials stated that special attention is being given to vulnerable groups, including women, children, the elderly, and those who have spent many years outside the country. The Islamic Emirate has repeatedly emphasized that ensuring the dignity, safety, and welfare of returnees is a national priority, particularly as large numbers of refugees continue to come back amid changing regional policies and economic pressures in host countries.

The recent increase in returns comes as neighboring states tighten regulations on undocumented migrants, prompting many Afghan refugees to opt for voluntary repatriation. International organizations estimate that millions of Afghans remain displaced across the region, making sustainable reintegration a critical challenge for Afghanistan’s recovery.

Authorities have called on humanitarian organizations and international donors to expand support for returnee communities, warning that housing shortages, unemployment, and limited access to basic services could place additional strain on local resources if assistance is not scaled up.

Despite these challenges, officials said the growing number of returnees reflects increased confidence in stability inside the country and renewed hope among Afghan families seeking to rebuild their lives in their homeland. (ILKHA)