Voluntary repatriation process for Afghans launched

LAHORE: The Ministry of Interior has taken a major decision regarding the return of foreigners holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, announcing the immediate launch of voluntary repatriation process for Afghan nationals.

A notification issued by the ministry states that the voluntary return of PoR card-holding Afghan citizens will begin without delay. For the remaining PoR holders, the repatriation process is set to formally commence on September 1. According to the notification, this decision was taken during a high-level meeting in view of growing security concerns and increased pressure on national resources.

However, the repatriation process for Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders will continue under the previously-announced policy by the Interior Ministry’s Afghan Repatriation Program (IFRP). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will coordinate with international partners such as the Afghan interim government, UNHCR, and other relevant bodies to facilitate the return process. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan, and SAFRON will provide PoR holders’ data to the relevant provincial and district committees.