Since 2002 over 5 million Afghans have returned from Pakistan (3,2 million) and the Islamic Republic of Iran (1,8 million). In 2006 the assisted repatriation programme (UNHCR) recovered the lowest level of 139.000 returnees since the start of the large-scale return operations.
It is becoming more difficult, however, to encourage refugees to return. Those who were most capable of returning did so in the early years; those who remain have progressively less to return to - houses, livelihoods, family - in Afghanistan. During 2006 repatriation trends were affected by three factors – the deteriorating security situation, the economic and social differentials between Afghanistan and its neighbours, and the fact that most of the remaining Afghan populations in Pakistan (2.2 million) and Iran (920,000) have been in exile for over twenty years.
So far this year, some 70.000 Afghans (PoR holders) have returned home from Pakistan, most of them with UNHCR's assistance, benefiting from the enhanced repatriation cash grant of US$100 average per person. Over 2.15 million were recently registered as Afghan citizens living temporarily in Pakistan, and given cards valid for three years. Additionally, some 206.000 unregistered Afghans returned under the enhanced repatriation assistance. At the same time, the Government of Iran has deported approximately 140.000 illegal Afghan refugees this year. Only 3000 refugees from Iran have returned so far in 2007 under the auspices of the voluntarily programme assisted by UNHCR.
Tripartite agreement GoN/GoA/UNHCR
The Norwgian government acts in accordance with the Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the governments of Norway and Afghanistan and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) regarding the practicalities, for both a voluntary and coercive return of Afghan citizens without residency in Norway. The MoU which was signed in August 2005 regulates both voluntary and coercive return, but does not deal with who should be granted asylum or residency in Norway. Applications for asylum and residency are considered by the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) as the first authority and the Norwegian Immigration Appeals Board (UNE) which handles the appeals. The decisions are taken in accordance with the Immigration Act.
UNHCR gives recommendations both regarding the need for protection and humanitarian consideration, including the question about return of persons without need for protection. Concerning the need for protection for Afghans who have applied for asylum in Norway, Norwegian authorities have followed UNHCR's recommendations.
There are approximately 6000 Afghans in Norway benefiting from refugee or humanitarian status. Efforts are made on the part of the Norwegian government to integrate them into the Norwegian society. Additionally around 2000 Afghans are either in the asylum process or finally rejected in Norway. Persons who have been finally rejected may be required by Norwegian law to return home. Afghans without protection needs or compelling humanitarian reasons can opt for voluntary assisted return until the expiration of the time limit set for leaving Norway following a final rejection of a claim for asylum.
Norwegian support for refugees in Afghanistan:
Norway plans to support UNHCR with 5 million NOK for 2007 (humanitarian budget). Additionally Norway will support Norwegian Refugee Council (shelter and ICLA programme) with approx. 20 million NOK in 2007.
Norwegian Embassy