Help if you’re returning from Pakistan

Effective 15 February 2026, UNHCR in Afghanistan will provide cash assistance to Afghan refugees/those in refugee like situation who a) Return Voluntarily; b) Return Spontaneously; c) Face Deportation from Pakistan, who meet any of the eligibility criteria – listed in the below table.

Once you meet the above criteria, you will be referred to registration and assistance desks at the following reception centers. All returnees and deportees with UNHCR documents are encouraged to approach UNHCR registration and screening desk for registration.

• Those who arrive via Torkham crossing point (located in Nangarhar province) can access assessment and assistance process at Omari Reception Center (Torkham, Nangarhar), Open Sat-Fri, 08:00 AM – 09:00 PM
• Those who arrive via Spin Boldak crossing point (located in Kandahar province) can access assessment and assistance process at Takhtapol Reception Center (Spin Boldak, Kandahar), Open Sat-Fri, 08:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Those who arrive via Bahramcha crossing point (located in Helmand province) can access assessment and assistance process at Lashkargah Reception Center (Lashkargah, Helmand), Open Sat-Thu, 08:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Please ensure that you plan your travel to the above Centers/UNHCR offices in line with the operational hours outlined above. Outside of these hours, reception centers in Kandahar, and Jalalabad will only offer transit facilities (subject to space availability), and assistance processing will take place on the following day.

• Those who meet the above criteria and completion of registration process will receive a one-time multipurpose return cash grant upon arrival as follows:
• AFN 11,500 per household, regardless of family size.
• And a top-up of AFN 2,300 per household only 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, and malnutrition screening.

Afghans holding a valid PoR who intend to return to Afghanistan can return by approaching UNHCR’s Voluntary Repatriation Centres in Pakistan (VRC Azakhel in Nowshera, KPK, and VRC Baleli in Quetta, Balochistan) to process and obtain a Voluntary Repatriation Form (VRF). No prior appointment is required to approach the Voluntary Repatriation Centers

• PoR, slips, or asylum certificate, VRFs, may be confiscated by the authorities in Pakistan. 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 reception center will verify your documents (VRF, PoR, slip, asylum-seeker certificate, Gorizah/refugee card) to ensure authenticity.
  • They will record basic information about you and your family and collect biometric data (fingerprints and iris scan). This helps 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 give up your PoR, slip, or asylum-seeker certificate to receive assistance.
• Persons with heightened protection risks and their family members will be required to present any available documentation to prove their identity as well as their professional background. They will also undergo all the required steps of registration (including biometric registration) and protection assessment to determine their 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. 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/were deported from Pakistan and have already received assistance will not be eligible for cash assistance in the reception centers.
• 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]