ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has mandated the arrest of undocumented Afghan nationals residing in the country without valid visas starting July 10, as per an Interior Ministry directive issued to provincial authorities. The measure is part of a broader national strategy to enforce stricter immigration controls following years of hosting millions of Afghan refugees.
The decree, dated June 28 and disclosed to Arab News, requires chief secretaries and law enforcement agencies nationwide to rigorously implement the Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan (IFRP). This initiative, launched in October 2023, targets undocumented foreigners—predominantly Afghans—urging their voluntary departure or compulsory removal.
Security concerns and accusations linking some Afghan nationals to cross-border attacks have been cited as reasons for the campaign. The Taliban government in Kabul has repeatedly denied these claims, while Pakistan emphasizes the economic strain of sustaining a large refugee population over decades.
Government data and international reports indicate that over two million Afghans have been repatriated or deported since the campaign began.
The directive specifies that starting July 10, 2026, any Afghan individual found in Pakistan without a valid visa must be arrested immediately. Provincial governments are instructed to direct deputy commissioners and district administrations alongside police to ensure consistent enforcement.
Starting July 11, authorities must submit daily reports documenting the number of visa-violating Afghan nationals, actions taken, and their immigration statuses.
The orders stem from a June 1 review meeting chaired by the interior secretary, where provincial administrations were urged to accelerate the repatriation of undocumented Afghan nationals, including those overstaying visas.
Pakistan has sheltered millions of Afghans since the 1979 Soviet invasion, solidifying its position as a key refugee host. The deportation effort has faced backlash from the UN and human rights groups, which warn of potential forced returns. Pakistani officials counter that the policy targets illegal residents and is essential for security and immigration management.
