Mohammad Saeed, an 18-year-old Afghan, along with his family, has returned to his homeland after fleeing the Taliban regime to Iran, now due to the worsening economic situation in Iran. This family has faced significant challenges upon their return, as Saeed stated, "The value of our savings has drastically decreased."
Factors for the Return of Afghan Migrants
After the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, many Afghans migrated to Iran in search of a better life. However, the current economic crisis in Iran, caused by sanctions and reduced oil exports, has led Afghan migrants to consider returning to their homeland.
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Iran, recognized as an industrial country and a major economy in the region, is now facing severe economic problems. According to statistics, the prices of food, especially bread and milk, have significantly increased in Iran, and many Afghans, who previously managed to earn good income by selling goods in Iranian markets, are now facing reduced demand and rising prices.
Challenges of Returning to Afghanistan
Many Afghans returning to Afghanistan face severe restrictions regarding women's rights and job opportunities. The Taliban has imposed restrictions on women, and many are currently only able to leave their homes once or twice a month. This reality presents a difficult choice for Afghan mothers and daughters who remained in Iran: poverty in Iran or returning to a country where their rights are violated.
Abdul Jabbar, one of the returnees, stated in an interview that he and his family are now facing serious financial problems after years of living in Iran. He expressed, "Although my family lived comfortably in Iran, we are now struggling to make ends meet in Afghanistan and are under financial pressure."
According to the International Organization for Migration, over two million Afghans have left Iran in the past two years. This statistic reflects the negative impacts of the economic crisis on the lives of Afghan migrants who are returning to their homeland in search of hope for a better future.
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