BAHARIN LEHIB

Perwan – Afghan migrants who had lived in Iran for decades have been forced to return to their country due to mass deportations. Many families who had established jobs, homes, and lives in Iran are now starting anew in Afghanistan, under Taliban rule, where heavy restrictions are imposed on women.

Mina, 55, returned to Afghanistan with her family after 13 years. Explaining that they had built a life in Iran, Mina said: “We were all working in Iran. My daughters finished school and had found jobs. Suddenly, we were told that we had to leave the country.” Stating that they were forced to vacate their home under pressure from their landlord, Mina said they lived in a park for 15 days and then spent 25 nights in a border camp under harsh conditions. Mina added: “We adults are used to it, but it is very difficult for my daughters. Here in Afghanistan, they no longer have the right to education or to work.”

Families are falling apart

Sidika Vahid, a mother of four, shares a similar story. Her husband, who had worked for years in a manufacturing company in Iran, lost his job after war and political developments, and was deported along with all the Afghan workers. However, their employers supported them by speeding up their paperwork, providing housing for some, and covering transportation expenses to Afghanistan. Sidika said she was happy to return to her country but expressed concern for the future of women. Summarizing her situation, she said: “I don’t want to migrate again, but my husband may have to leave in order to find work and survive. I will stay here with my children and my mother-in-law.”