The United Nations has warned that returning to Afghanistan does not guarantee successful reintegration, with new figures showing that only 11 percent of Afghan returnees have been able to find jobs.

In a report released on Sunday, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said many returnees continue to face serious obstacles to resettlement and livelihoods.

According to the assessment, one in four returnees has been unable to settle in their intended place of residence, while more than half lack essential documentation, severely restricting access to basic services and employment opportunities.

The report found that 25 percent of returnees have been unable to return to their original districts or areas of origin. Economic pressures remain acute, with 56 percent of heads of returnee households reporting they are unable to meet their families’ basic needs.

Employment remains a major challenge. The IOM said 35 percent of heads of returnee households and 36 percent of single returnees have not been able to secure work, raising concerns over long-term stability and sustainable livelihoods for those returning.

The findings come as the Islamic Emirate reports that around 1.8 million Afghan migrants returned to the country in 2025. International organizations, however, warn that without improved access to jobs, documentation and essential services, large-scale returns risk worsening Afghanistan’s already fragile humanitarian and economic situation.

The Ministry of National Defense of the Islamic Emirate has announced that the registration process for forces approved by the Security and Vetting Commission to join the ranks of the Islamic National Army has officially begun.

According to the ministry, recruitment centers in the capital and across the provinces are ready to receive applicants.

The ministry stated that registration is conducted upon presentation of a national identity card (tazkira) and an approval form issued by the Security and Vetting Commission. The order to launch the recruitment process was issued by Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, Minister of National Defense.

Military experts say the move is aimed at strengthening the capacity of the security forces and improving preparedness to ensure national security. They believe that increasing the number of trained personnel can both address internal threats and enhance the operational capability of the national army.

Some observers also emphasize that, alongside the Islamic Emirate’s forces, opportunities should be created for other eligible young people to join the security forces.

Previously, a spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate said that in 2025 the number of trained personnel in the Islamic National Army reached 181,000, and more than 100,000 police officers have also received training in various fields.

The Diplomacy Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan recently organized a five-day training program titled “Diplomacy Connection Networks”, in collaboration with Qatar.

According to a ministry statement issued Sunday, the course was led by experienced Qatari diplomat Omar Ghanem, who shared both theoretical insights and practical experiences from his diplomatic missions in multiple countries.

The training covered core concepts of contemporary diplomacy, the structure of diplomatic networks, and the significance of digital diplomacy for participants.

At the closing ceremony, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate, the Qatari Ambassador in Kabul, and the Director of the Diplomacy Institute highlighted the importance of professional training for diplomats, the value of sharing experiences, and the need to continue such specialized and collaborative programs to strengthen Afghanistan’s foreign policy.

The program concluded with the distribution of certificates to all participants.