Pakistan asks registered Afghans to leave by March 31

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): In line with its repatriation campaign, the Pakistan government has asked Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders to leave the country by March 31.

The Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Programme (IFRP) is being enforced since November 1, 2023, says the Interior Ministry.

In a statement on Friday, the ministry said: “In continuation of the government’s decision to expel all illegal foreigners, the national leadership has now decided to also repatriate ACC holders.”

It advised all illegal foreigners and ACC holders to leave the country voluntarily before March 31 before deportations begin with effect from April 1.

“It is highlighted that sufficient time has already been granted for their dignified return,” the ministry said, promising food and healthcare arrangements for returning foreigners.

Last month, UNHCR and IOM had voiced concern over the government’s plan to move registered Afghan refugees out of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Issued by the government, ACC is an identification document that gives Afghans temporary legal status during their stay in Pakistan.

A civil society group said on Thursday 190 Afghan refugees had been rounded up in Islamabad,.

The Joint Action Committee for Refugees claimed a ‘massive crackdown’ was ongoing in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

In a post on X, the committee said scores of Afghans had been detained, regardless of whether they possessed Proof of Registration (PoR), Afghan citizen cards (ACC), or valid visas.

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