Pakistan recently set April 30, 2025 as its final deadline for undocumented foreigners living illegally within its borders to leave voluntarily, intensifying its crackdown against illegal immigration. This move predominantly impacts Afghan nationals who make up most of undocumented migrants living illegally within Pakistan’s borders.
Talal Chaudhry, the Deputy Interior Minister, stated that any foreign nationals without legal documentation must leave by April’s end or face immediate deportation proceedings. Afghans holding United Nations refugee status will however be permitted to stay until at least June 30.
Since October 2023 when Pakistan initiated their crackdown against Afghan refugees living in Pakistan, over 850,000 Afghans have been repatriated back into Afghanistan. Authorities estimate that about 800,000 undocumented Afghans still reside there alongside 1.4 million registered refugees who fall under UNHCR protection. Since this development took place, over 850,000 Afghans have returned home with them being repatriated at this point (AP News 2025, Wikipedia2024 etc)
Human rights groups have expressed strong disapproval of this policy, particularly its effect on vulnerable groups such as women activists and individuals seeking resettlement in third countries; many fear persecution if returned to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. AP News > +2, Wikipedia = 2.
Wikipedia
Pakistani officials maintain that these deportations efforts do not target any particular nationality; rather they represent part of an overall effort to regulate illegal immigration. They assert that Pakistan has long been generous in hosting refugees and they collaborate closely with international agencies in ensuring vulnerable individuals remain safe.
As April 30 approaches, thousands of undocumented migrants face uncertainty as international observers closely follow developments. Humanitarian organizations provide aid for many seeking protection against forced repatriation; international observers closely observe events.