OCHA: Return of Migrants Pushes Afghanistan’s Population to 48.6 Million

DID Press: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that Afghanistan’s population has reached 48.6 million in 2026, citing the large-scale return of Afghan migrants from neighboring countries as a key factor behind the increase.

In its latest report, OCHA said Afghanistan’s estimated population for the current year is higher than previous UN projections as well as figures published by the Taliban authorities.

According to the report, the primary driver of the population increase has been the mass return of Afghan migrants from Iran and Pakistan in recent months.

Hundreds of thousands of Afghans have returned to the country following deportations or voluntary returns from the two neighboring states, significantly affecting population estimates.

OCHA warned that the growing population, combined with Afghanistan’s ongoing economic crisis, widespread poverty, drought, and limited public services, will further increase humanitarian needs across the country.

The agency said population growth is expected to place additional pressure on healthcare, education, housing, employment, and food security, while making it more difficult to provide assistance to returnees and host communities.

OCHA stressed that the continued return of migrants underscores the need for expanded humanitarian planning and greater resource allocation, calling on the international community to maintain support for Afghanistan’s growing humanitarian needs.