Pakistan sets April 30 as final deadline for Afghan migrants to leave

Pakistan has set April 30 as the final deadline for undocumented Afghan migrants to leave, enforcing stricter immigration laws.

The Government of Pakistan has reaffirmed that April 30 is the final deadline for the departure of undocumented immigrants, particularly Afghan nationals without valid visas. Talal Chaudhry, Pakistan’s Minister of State for Interior, stated in a press briefing on Friday that although Pakistan has hosted Afghan refugees for decades, the time has come to strictly enforce immigration laws.

Chaudhry emphasized that Pakistan is now actively pursuing the “Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan,” which involves intensified measures to remove undocumented individuals from the country. He noted that this policy marks a significant shift in the government’s stance, aiming to restore order and maintain national security.

According to the minister, the deportation process is being carried out in coordination with the Taliban authorities in Afghanistan. Special arrangements have been made for vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly to ensure a humane and orderly return process for those affected.

Pakistan’s government has also issued a stern warning to its own citizens; legal action will be taken against those who provide shelter, employment, or other support to undocumented migrants. This includes landlords, employers, and individuals offering logistical assistance to illegal immigrants, as the government seeks to curb informal networks enabling undocumented residency.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, is scheduled to visit Kabul in the coming days to engage in high-level talks with Taliban officials. The visit aims to discuss bilateral cooperation, regional security, and the safe repatriation of Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan without legal status.

According to official statistics, over 2.1 million Afghan refugees currently live in Pakistan, with the majority residing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. A significant portion of them are undocumented, placing them at risk of detention or deportation under the new policy.

The implementation of this large-scale deportation initiative raises serious humanitarian and geopolitical concerns, especially considering the fragile situation in Afghanistan. International organizations like UNHCR have called for safeguards to protect refugees and asylum seekers who may face persecution upon return.

The post Pakistan sets April 30 as final deadline for Afghan migrants to leave appeared first on Khaama Press.