Last Change:
04/16/2025
Tripartite Repatriation Agreement between UNHCR and the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan
Year: 2003
Type: Other
Rights Category: Asylum
Description
The tripartite agreement signed among the Government of Pakistan, the Government of Afghanistan and UNHCR governs the repatriation of Afghan citizens living in Pakistan. The agreement recognises that voluntary repatriation, where feasible, constitutes the preferred durable solution for the problems of refugees, and that the attainment of this solution requires that refugees shall return in condition of safety and dignity.
This agreement applies to Afghan citizens who hold Proof of Registration (PoR) cards subsequent to the 2006-07 registration exercise. The agreement resolved to facilitate and assist the voluntary repatriation and reintegration in Afghanistan.
The first tripartite agreement was signed in 2003 for three years until 2006, and further extended from 2007 to 2009, then 2010 to 2012 and continuously extended from time to time. Presently, the Federal Cabinet vide notification dated 27.6.2019 has extended the validity of PoR cards till 30.6.2020 as a result of the tripatite agreement signed on 18th June 2019.
Selected provisions
Tripartite Repatriation Agreement between UNHCR and the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan - Generic
1. In accordance with the principle of family unity, UNHCR, in cooperation with the Parties, shall make every effort to ensure that families are repatriated as units and that involuntary separation is avoided. Where such efforts fail, a mechanism shall be established for their reunification in Afghanistan.
2. In order to preserve the unity of the family, spouses and/or children of repatriating Afghan citizens who are themselves not citizens of Afghanistan shall be allowed to enter and remain in Afghanistan. The principle established herein shall also apply to non-Afghan spouses as well as children of deceased Afghan citizens who may wish to enter and remain in Afghanistan to preserve family links. Accordingly, the Transitional Islamic State of Afghanistan shall regularize their entry and stay in Afghanistan in accordance with the provisions under its laws on the entry and stay of foreigners and will favorably consider their naturalization.
The Parties shall take special measures, within their respective jurisdictions, to ensure that vulnerable groups receive adequate protection, assistance and care throughout the repatriation and reintegration process. In particular, measures shall be taken to ensure that unaccompanied minors are not returned prior to successful tracing of family members or without specific and adequate reception and care-taking arrangements having been put in place in Afghanistan.