6m+ Afghan returnees squeeze jobs and rents in Jawzjan
In Jawzjan, locals and returnees scramble for scarce work and shelter after more than six million Afghans came back from Iran and Pakistan in just over three years.
More than six million Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan in a little over three years amid deportation drives.
In Jawzjan’s Sheberghan and Aqcha, residents and returnees report fewer day-labour jobs, soaring rents, and pressure on water.
The UN projects Aqcha’s population could rise by more than 26% and says nearly 15.9 million Afghans face crisis-level food insecurity.
Provincial officials deny major problems and cite a rent-control committee; some residents say they have never heard of it and report rents doubling.
A UN mission official warned in September that competition over scarce resources risks grievances, further displacement, and instability.