Echoes of Hope: The Continual Pursuit of Migration Among Afghans
by: Shapoor Hamid | BILIM Organization for Research and Social Studies
In the wake of forced or voluntary return, the aspirations for migration among Afghans remain steadfast, undeterred by the hurdles of the journey back home. Drawing from qualitative in-depth life history interviews conducted by Bilim in Herat, Balkh, Kabul, and Kandahar provinces of Afghanistan, I intend to reflect on a few major themes to uncover the profound desire of returnees to migrate once more. These individuals, grappling with the harsh realities of life in Afghanistan, harbor a fervent longing for the promise of a better future elsewhere—a longing that persists despite their past experiences of migration and return.
At the heart of this enduring aspiration lies the persistent political and economic shocks in Afghanistan. Over the past four decades, and particularly in recent years, Afghanistan has navigated a tumultuous path, marked by foreign interventions, shifting power dynamics, and the resurgence of the Taliban. Despite the concerted efforts of the international community from 2001 to 2021, Afghanistan finds itself at a precarious juncture, teetering on the brink of regression.
Photo illustrating the resilience, hope, and uncertain future of Afghans in the context of migration. Source: generated by AI on the Discord application under the Creative Common License.
Access to essential services has plummeted to unprecedented lows, while governance remains mired in ambiguity under an unrecognized government, leaving legal loopholes in its wake. Meanwhile, a mounting humanitarian crisis threatens to unravel the social fabric of the nation. Notably, the recent dramatic shift in access to education as a right and gender equality as a norm have further deteriorated the prospect of development in the country. Against this backdrop of uncertainty, the allure of migration emerges as a beacon of hope—a means of transcending the confines of a nation in flux.
Adding to the structural drivers of migration in the country, the restoration of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan was a recent shift and reshuffle of aspirations on an individual level and drivers on a broader structural level. To be more specific, the unrecognized de-facto government and increasingly restricted human rights are two of the major factors that not only compound the already high aspirations to migrate but also solidify the long-standing notion that migration has always been preferable in the Afghan context. In an interview with a female doctor in Herat province, these two paradigms were observed. Freshta (a pseudonym) showed her determination to leave the country mostly because she could not imagine her daughter growing up illiterate before her eyes. While other socio-economic and political drivers of migration have persistently been observed, deprivation from education and other fundamental rights emerge as the new driver that could be crucial in the flow of out-migration. Likewise, the unrecognized nature of the current de-facto government raises critical questions on the protection and provision of services for the general population and specifically the returnees. So long as this legal loophole widens, the conviction to leave becomes stronger and stronger among Afghans.
Moreover, the allure of migration is amplified by the transformative experiences of living abroad, even if only for a fleeting moment. Returnees from Europe, in particular, find themselves grappling with a profound sense of displacement, torn between the familiarity of their homeland and the allure of a life abroad. Despite their brief journey in foreign lands, the memories of stability, security, and opportunity linger, casting a long shadow over their aspirations for the future. For many returnees, their time abroad represents more than just a temporary respite—it symbolizes the promise of a life beyond the confines of Afghanistan's borders, a life free from the constraints of conflict and uncertainty. Mohammad (a pseudonym) from Balkh province recalled his memories from Germany. He noted that his time in Germany remains dear to him. It gave him a glimpse of how settling in Germany would be the eventual solution to the life he long sought. Besides the psychological trauma induced by deportation, the conviction to continuously pursue migration to Germany was more solidified for Mohammad.
Yet, beneath the surface of individual aspirations lies a deeper truth—a strategic response to the uncertainties that define life in Afghanistan. Migration is not merely an escape but a calculated maneuver—a means of securing a better future for oneself and future generations. It is a coping mechanism honed through years of navigating instability, a strategic move in an unpredictable landscape.
Return, touted as a durable solution, has proven to be a contentious issue in the Afghan context. Despite efforts to facilitate return, the reality of mobility and cross-border movement persists as a normal part of Afghan livelihood. Deportations and forced returns only serve to complicate the migration landscape further, reinforcing the conviction of many Afghans that migration offers a more viable path to a better life.
At the heart of these migration aspirations lies a fundamental belief in the prospect of a better life elsewhere—a conviction rooted in the enduring uncertainty that characterizes Afghanistan's political, social, economic, and educational landscape. Despite the challenges and setbacks, the desire to migrate persists—a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Afghan people.
In conclusion, the story of Afghan migration is one of resilience, uncertainty, and unwavering hope—a story that continues to unfold against the backdrop of a nation in flux. As we seek to understand the intricacies of post-return aspirations, it is imperative that we recognize the structural and personal factors that shape this narrative. Only through a nuanced understanding can we begin to address the root causes of migration and pave the way for a brighter future for Afghanistan and its people.
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