Afghan refugees in Tajikistan remain anxious months after mass deportations in July, with many new arrivals afraid to leave their homes.

A 53-year-old refugee in Vahdat said he has barely let his teenage sons out since Tajik authorities arrested and deported his cousin, who had previously worked for Afghanistan’s former republic government. His cousin has been in hiding in Afghanistan since the deportation.

UNHCR reports that at least 1,288 Afghans, including 1,152 refugees and asylum seekers, were deported this summer, many holding valid passports or government-issued documents. “UNHCR urges the Government of Tajikistan to uphold its commitments to refugee protection, and ensure any returns to Afghanistan are voluntary, safe, and dignified,” said Dumitru Lipcanu, acting UNHCR representative to Central Asia.

Tajikistan’s Afghan refugee population is estimated at 10,000–13,000, concentrated in towns like Vahdat and Rudaki. The government claimed the deportations targeted individuals accused of drug trafficking, extremist activity, or violating migration laws. However, many deported Afghans, including the 53-year-old refugee’s cousin, held proper documentation.

Newer arrivals, unfamiliar with local rules, were particularly affected. Afghan refugees must follow unwritten norms, such as keeping beards trimmed and avoiding alcohol, which contribute to their sense of vulnerability. A 24-year-old refugee described life in Tajikistan as “freedom” compared to the homeland, despite the threat of deportation.

Experts say the deportations reflect heightened caution in Dushanbe, which initially welcomed Afghan refugees but hardened its stance after 2021. Tajikistan previously deported smaller groups, including 41 Afghans in December 2024. Moscow’s recognition of the Islamic Emirate may also have influenced the country’s policy, according to the charity Open Doors.