A new report by the Afghanistan section of UN Women shows that only 17% of women returning from Iran and Pakistan have an income.
The report adds that nearly 40% of returnee women said they have professional, technical, or digital skills that they cannot use in Afghanistan.
It also notes that many of these women had worked and gained skills while in host countries. More than three-quarters of women who worked in Iran and nearly two-thirds of those who worked in Pakistan became unemployed after returning to Afghanistan.
Based on data collected from 700 returnee women and local stakeholders, the report highlights that the main barriers to income generation include restrictions on work and movement, limited access to capital and tools, and a lack of job opportunities.
According to the report, more than three-quarters of returnee women have no tools or capital to generate income.
Since 2023, more than 5.5 million Afghan migrants have returned from Iran and Pakistan, putting unprecedented pressure on the country’s already fragile economy.
Women and girls made up more than a quarter of returnees from Iran and nearly half of those returning from Pakistan in 2025.
UN Women called for support for returnee women, saying they should receive cash assistance.
