Afghan refugees holding Proof of Registration (PoR) or UNHCR-issued refugee cards, who are planning to return to Afghanistan from Pakistan under the UN Refugee Agency’s facilitated voluntary repatriation programme are informed that UNHCR’s Voluntary Repatriation Center (VRC) in Azakhel, Nowshera, will be closed from Monday, 2-March-2026, following border closure, until further notice.
We will continue to assess the situation and will inform you as soon as the Azakhel Voluntary Repatriation Center (VRC) reopens.
The VRC in Baleli, Quetta, remains open.
For further information or assistance, please contact the UNHCR Helpline at 0800-86677.
Here you will find:
All UNHCR services are free of charge.
UNHCR’s only methods of communication are the email addresses, phone numbers and hotlines published on this site. If someone says they will give you assistance for money, these individuals DO NOT represent UNHCR.
Some scammers set up fraudulent UNHCR websites or apps. Do NOT share your personal information, including phone numbers, with any websites.
Please watch the video message available through the following link https://fb.watch/sW9ILpkV5Q/
Following the Government of Pakistan’s announcement of a plan to deport undocumented Afghans, UNHCR is appealing to Pakistan to continue its protection of all vulnerable Afghans who have sought safety in Pakistan. UNHCR has offered its support to Pakistan in developing a mechanism to manage and register people in need of international protection on its territory and respond to particular vulnerabilities. UNHCR underscores that any refugee return must be voluntary without any pressure, to ensure protection for those seeking safety.
UNHCR has made every effort to ensure the information contained on this site is accurate. Information will continue to be updated.