All registered Afghans in possession of valid Proof of Registration (PoR) cards are informed that UNHCR’s facilitated voluntary repatriation process will be suspended from 1 December 2018 until 28 February 2019 due to the winter season. The facilitated voluntary repatriation process will resume on 1 March 2019.

During the winter break, UNHCR will not be facilitating repatriation from the Voluntary Repatriation Centres (VRCs) at Azakhel, Nowshera and Baleli, Quetta.

Kabul, Samar Khel and Jamal Mayna Encashment Centres in Afghanistan will also not be in operation.

Registered refugees who are not able to formally deregister at the VRCs in Pakistan and who return without a Voluntary Repatriation Form will not be assisted with cash grants and will not have access to Encashment Centres in Afghanistan.

During the winter break, the Proof of Registration card retains its validity and registered PoR cardholders will be accorded their full rights as refugees in Pakistan.

UNHCR offices in Pakistan will continue to provide counselling, information and assistance to refugees during the winter break.

Registered refugees (PoR cardholders) who face harassment, extortion or ill treatment should contact UNHCR for assistance or call the protection helpline numbers below.

All services provided by UNHCR in Pakistan and Afghanistan are free of charge.