The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has issued a warning that approximately 500,000 additional Afghan migrants are anticipated to return to the country throughout the year. Highlighting Afghanistan's status as the top country in South Asia and the second globally for displaced individuals, OCHA revealed these projections in a statement on Monday, February 12th.

According to OCHA's data, an estimated 480,000 migrants are expected to return to Afghanistan in 2024, with 98% of them requiring humanitarian assistance. The agency emphasized that the country currently ranks as home to 6.3 million displaced Afghans, many of whom left their primary areas a decade ago.

Amid the ongoing repatriation process of Afghan migrants from Pakistan, roughly 500,000 individuals have returned to Afghanistan in the past three months, further contributing to the humanitarian challenges faced by the nation.

In response to these pressing needs, OCHA announced its commitment to providing crucial assistance to vulnerable communities in Afghanistan through its budget. The aid will cover essential areas such as water, health, protection, food security and agriculture, education, nutrition, and shelter.

Despite the ongoing repatriation efforts, humanitarian agencies continue to emphasize the increasing needs among Afghan returnees. OCHA previously noted that the humanitarian aid program had faced delays in recent weeks due to various obstacles.