14,000 refugees return from Iran every week: Herat officials

HERAT CITY (Pajhwok): Hundreds of Afghan refugees voluntarily or forced to return to the country from neighboring Iran through Islam Qala border in western Herat province.

According to Refugees and Repatriation Department of Herat, the number of returnees to the country has increased significantly recently.

Speaking to Pajhwok Afghan News, Mufti Adam Khan Saad, director of refugees’ department, said that every week more than 14,000 Afghan immigrants enter the country voluntarily or forced to return through Islam Qala port of the province.

He added sometimes the number of returnees rises to 2,700 in a single day.

According to Saad, the Refugee Department provides food and shelter to needy individuals with support of partner institutions and introduces them to aid organizations.

He said the returnees were transported from Islam Qala to Herat city by cars and some institutions such as IOM and War Child help them every day and provide treatment to patients and food and rent until they reach their destinations.

Refugees arriving voluntarily are helped by UNHCR office with food and non-food packages.

On the other hand, the returnees are complaining about misbehavior of Iranian officials, saying they are not treated humanely.

Ghulam Rasoul, a returnee who spent more than two decades in Iran, complained about the mistreatment of Afghan immigrants by Iranian police.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Nabi, another returnee from Iran, told Pajhwok he was satisfied with the help he received after returning to the country. He worked as laborer in Iran to support his family back in the country.

Maulvi Nisar Ahmad Ilyas, the governor’s spokesman, said that security was ensured in all parts of the country and the government was striving to provide facilities to the people.

According to him, the authorities of Herat welcome returning refugees and the government is trying to create jobs for them.

sa/ma