Pakistan Sets Deadline for Afghan Citizen Card Holders’ Exit and Potential Repatriation
The Pakistani government has set a deadline of March 31 for Afghan Citizen Card holders to leave the country, initiating potential mass deportations. A comprehensive plan has been developed, involving multiple phases for relocating undocumented Afghans. The UN agencies have expressed concerns regarding the implications for human rights and the well-being of refugees during this process, urging humane treatment as deportations commence.
The Pakistani government has set March 31 as the deadline for holders of the Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) to voluntarily leave the country, following a policy aimed at repatriating illegal foreigners. The interior ministry has emphasized that massive deportations will begin after this date. A leaked government document details plans for relocating ACC holders in Islamabad and Rawalpindi back to Afghanistan, as part of a broader, multi-phase strategy for managing Afghan migrants, particularly those awaiting resettlement in third countries.
As per the government’s directive, holders of Proof of Registration (POR) cards, who were granted an extended stay until June 30, 2025, will also be relocated from major urban centers to other areas. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been instructed to coordinate with foreign embassies to expedite the relocation process for those promised settlement in third countries. ACC holders will be relocated initially within the first phase, alongside undocumented Afghans, with definitive plans for repatriation to Afghanistan.
Additionally, intelligence agencies such as the ISI and IB have been given the responsibility of overseeing the execution of the relocation plan and must provide regular updates to the Prime Minister’s Office. This situation complicates matters for approximately 15,000 Afghans who are in limbo, awaiting potential relocation to the United States, especially following the suspension of the US Refugee Admission Programme.
Pakistan has historically harbored millions of Afghan migrants, particularly after the Taliban regained control in 2021. Officials report that over 800,000 registered Afghan migrants hold ACCs, with many others lacking documentation. The interior ministry has stated that the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Programme has been active since November 1, 2023, underscoring that ample time has been provided for voluntary repatriation. The ministry asserts that all individuals in Pakistan must adhere to local legal frameworks and constitutional requirements.
It has been assured that no maltreatment will occur during the repatriation process, with provisions made for food and healthcare. Despite not being a signatory to international conventions concerning refugees, Pakistan has provided refuge to millions of Afghan individuals for decades. Recently, the United Nations agencies focusing on refugees and migration have expressed grave concerns over the new mass deportations, noting that both documented and undocumented individuals, including those awaiting relocation, could be adversely affected.
In a joint statement, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have requested clarity regarding the relocation’s modalities and timelines. They urged Pakistan to adhere to human rights standards during this process, particularly for legal refugees and economic migrants. Concerns have been echoed regarding the potential risks of forced returns to Afghanistan.
The IOM has expressed its commitment to collaborating with both the Pakistani government and UNHCR to create mechanisms for registering and managing Afghan nationals within Pakistan, which could lead to tailored solutions and international protection for those in need.
Overall, the impending deadline for Afghan Citizen Card holders emphasizes Pakistan’s increasing efforts to regulate the status of Afghan populations within its borders, while international entities call for humane treatment and adherence to established human rights standards during this challenging transition.
In conclusion, Pakistan has established an ultimatum for Afghan Citizen Card holders to exit the country by March 31, as part of a significant governmental strategy to repatriate undocumented immigrants. This policy has raised concerns among humanitarian organizations due to potential risks faced by those being deported, particularly regarding human rights. The complexities surrounding Afghan migrants, especially those awaiting resettlement in third countries, highlight the ongoing challenges faced by both the Pakistani government and the international community in managing this situation.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
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