INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The caretaker federal cabinet of Pakistan extended the deadline for the return of Afghan nationals without proper documentation to February
29, 2024, on Wednesday.This extension aims to aid those waiting to relocate to Western countries under their respective resettlement
plans.Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi, announced at a press conference in Islamabad the deadline extension from the initial
date of December 31, according to Dawn News.The decision aims to encourage Afghan nationals to either obtain legal documents or finalize
evacuation arrangements to a third country as soon as possible.New regulations state that Afghan nationals lacking legal documents or
processing fees and planning to leave for a third country will be fined $400 for overstaying, reduced from the previous $800.Post-deadline,
overstaying Afghan nationals will incur a fine of $100 per month, with a maximum limit of $800.The Pakistani federal cabinet was briefed
that approximately 450,000 Afghan nationals have returned to Afghanistan, with the majority doing so voluntarily
This return to their native country marks a significant movement of people in the region.The United Nations has highlighted that most of the
repatriated Afghans are in a vulnerable state
These individuals now face the challenge of rebuilding their lives without adequate shelter.The situation is further exacerbated by the
harsh winter conditions in Afghanistan.The post Deadline extended for Afghan refugees in Pakistan; overstay fines $100 per month first
