Voluntary Repatriation of Afghan Refugees From Pakistan Resumed

Date: 01 March 2019 - 21:38

News ID: ۶۳۶۸۳

ISLAMABAD (Xinhua) – The UN refugee agency UNHCR said on Friday it has resumed voluntary repatriation program for registered Afghan refugees from Pakistan on Friday after the winter break.
The voluntary repatriation operation had been suspended for the winter period from Dec. 1, 2018, until Feb. 28, 2019.
Pakistan continues to host 1.4 million registered Afghan refugees, who are holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, according to the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). Around 4.4 million Afghan refugees have returned to Afghanistan under the UNHCR-facilitated voluntary repatriation program since 2002.
The PoR card allows Afghan refugees the right to temporary legal stay in Pakistan.
Pakistan has extended the stay of the refugees until June this year.
"While voluntary repatriation is a preferred solution for the majority of Afghan refugees, it needs to be well-informed, voluntary, safe and dignified," said UNHCR Representative in Pakistan Ruvendrini Menikdiwela.
Menikdiwela said the UNHCR acknowledges and appreciates the people and government of Pakistan for hosting Afghan refugees for four decades.
She said the firm generosity has contributed to the global refugee cause at a time when pushbacks of refugees and asylum fatigue are witnessed globally.