Help if you’re returning from Iran

• Afghan refugees with a valid Amayesh card who wish to return voluntarily must contact UNHCR offices in Iran or call UNHCR helplines before traveling.
  UNHCR offices in Tehran, Esfahan, Kerman, Shiraz, Mashhad, and Dogharoun provide Voluntary Repatriation Forms (VRFs).
• For assistance with the Voluntary Repatriation (VolRep) process, contact the nearest UNHCR office based on your province in Iran.
• Ensure you obtain a VRF before departing Iran to access assistance in Afghanistan.
  If you are unable to obtain a VRF before departure, assistance may still be provided after an assessment.

Prior to approaching the above centers, please make sure to call 90000427 to obtain an appointment for VRF process.

The contact number is operational during Sunday – Thursday from 08:00 – 16:00.

• Individuals in the above three categories arriving via the Zaranj border can approach the UNHCR Reception Center in Zaranj:
  • Zaranj Reception Center is located at the Zaranj border, Nimroz province. It is open Saturday to Friday, from 08:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
  • Please plan your travel according to the operational hours. Outside these hours, only transit facilities (subject to space availability) will be provided, and assistance processing will take place the following day.

• Individuals in the above categories arriving via Islam Qala must approach UNHCR’s border monitoring partner staff at the Islam Qala Reception Center:

  • The Reception Center is located at Islam Qala zero point, Herat province, and operates Saturday to Friday, from 08:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
  • At the center, staff will review your documents, conduct an interview, and refer you to the Herat Encashment Center (EC), located in Herat city (open Saturday to Friday, 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM).
  • At the Herat EC, UNHCR or partner staff will assess and verify the authenticity of your documents (VRF/Amayesh).
  • Please ensure your travel aligns with the operational hours. Outside these hours, only transit services (subject to availability) will be provided, and assistance processing will occur the next day.
• At Islam Qala, Zaranj, or Herat EC, you must present the following documents:
  • Original documents: Valid Amayesh card (versions 17, 18, or 19) and a VRF.
  • DoRR Return Certificate: Required for family cases returning on or after 1 December 2024 (not issued for single individuals).
  • UNHCR Border Monitoring Referral Form: Required for both family cases and single individuals.
• Other documented and undocumented returnees or deportees with heightened protection risks:
  • Must present either an IOM Referral Form or a UNHCR Border Monitoring Referral Form.
  • If unavailable, a protection assessment will be conducted by UNHCR or partner staff at Herat EC or Zaranj Reception Center to determine eligibility for assistance.

• Those who meet the above criteria and complete the registration process will receive a one-time multipurpose return cash grant as follows:
  • AFN 11,500 per household, regardless of family size.
  • An additional top-up of AFN 2,300 per household for persons with disabilities and women-headed households.
• Cash assistance will be transferred via HesabPay prepaid card. Cash grants will be credited instantly after registration and issued at the reception center.
• In addition, returnees/deportees will receive:
  • Basic health care
  • Vaccination
  • Overnight accommodation
  • Protection counseling
  • Mine risk education
  • Child-friendly spaces
  • Malnutrition screening

• VRF, Amayesh cards, and other documents may be confiscated by the authorities in Iran. To avoid problems:
  • Keep a clear photo of your documents on your phone.
  • Share copies with close relatives.
  • Keep a printed copy in a safe place.
• Please be informed that if you choose to accept UNHCR’s cash assistance in Afghanistan:
  • UNHCR/partner staff at the Herat EC or Zaranj reception center will verify your documents (VRF, Amayesh) to ensure authenticity.
  • They will record basic information about you and your family and collect biometric data (fingerprints and iris scan) to prevent misuse of assistance.
  • Biometric registration is mandatory to receive cash assistance. If you do not agree to this process, UNHCR cannot provide cash assistance.
  • You do not need to surrender your VRF or Amayesh card to receive assistance.
• Persons with heightened protection risks and their family members will be required to present any available documentation to prove their identity and professional background. They will also undergo all required registration steps (including biometric registration) and protection assessment at Herat EC or Zaranj RC to determine eligibility for assistance.
• Your cash assistance will be provided through a HesabPay prepaid card (UNHCR Financial Service Provider).
  • The card works like a debit card and can be used at ATMs, POS terminals, and agent locations across Afghanistan as well as inside the Zaranj Reception/Encashment Center of Herat.
  • It will be credited instantly after registration and issued at the reception center.
  • Keep your card and PIN secure, as it may be used for future top-ups if funds are available.
• Those who have returned or were deported from Iran and have already received assistance will not be eligible for cash assistance.
• Women and girls have the right to request a separate space or location to receive services to ensure they are safe and protected when receiving assistance.

All UNHCR services are free of charge.

Report any request for money or favors to UNHCR:

Hotlines: 0791990225, 0790691746, 0704996168

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]