Afghan Family Starts Anew After Overcoming Years of Hardship

Herat — At the bustling Islam Qala border in western Afghanistan, hundreds of people cross daily in search of services, new opportunities or refuge.  

Ayesha* and her husband were two of the millions of people who crossed this border in 2020 to migrate to Iran. Struggling with poverty and a lack of economic opportunities at home, the newlyweds traveled to Iran with high hopes and determination to build a better life abroad. 

Ayesha sold all the furniture from their small home to pay the smuggler who organized their trip. Pregnant and anxious, she embarked on a grueling journey through Iran. After three days, Ayesha began to bleed — suffering from a dangerous complication while far from any medical care. Yet, with no other option, they pressed on. 

Eight harrowing days later, Ayesha and her husband arrived in their destination in Iran. A few months later, Ayesha gave birth to a baby boy. 

Throughout the next two years, they rebuilt their lives from scratch, eventually securing jobs as tailors and overcoming the challenges that came their way together. Their efforts were cut short two years ago when they were arrested by Iranian authorities. 

 “It was early morning when my husband was arrested. Because I was six months pregnant with our second child and alone, I surrendered myself to the police too,” Ayesha recalled. 

Their return to Afghanistan marked the start of another difficult chapter of Ayesha’s life. Ayesha, her husband and their toddler were held for several days in precarious conditions in Iran, before being left at the Islam Qala crossing, the same place they had started their journey years ago.  

By the time they stepped back into Afghanistan, Ayesha was physically and emotionally depleted. She was again bleeding out and worried about the health of her unborn child.  

Only at the International Organization for Migration Islam Qala Reception Centre at the border did she finally find the emergency medical care she needed. 

Later, IOM moved the family to the IOM Herat Transit Center, which offered them a temporary refuge.  

“They gave us bread and a place to sleep here. There were doctors available when my condition worsened.” 

“After reaching the border, I was worried about how to go home to Herat without money, but in Islam Qala they gave us the fare and I felt a big burden was lifted from my shoulders,” said Ayesha. 

Eventually, Ayesha’s family left the transit centre and settled in Herat. After giving birth, her second child was diagnosed with leukemia, adding a new layer of hardship to their already difficult life. 

In 2023, Ayesha received further assistance from IOM to get through the cold winter. She received cash and other support from the Organization's winterization assistance programme, made possible with support from the Republic of Korea. She was able to purchase medication for her child and other essential needs with the cash she received. 

“They also gave us winter relief items,” said Ayesha, adding that she also received blankets and winter clothing from IOM’s winterization support. This help, she said, came during one of her family’s most difficult moments in their transition home. 

Ayesha remains resolute in her determination to find the care her child needs. The high costs of her son’s treatment compel her to consider migrating to Iran once again. Her story reflects not only the hardships faced by many Afghans but also the enduring spirit to rebuild against all odds. 

Since January 2023, IOM with support from the Republic of Korea assisted 1,520 families in Kabul, Nangarhar, Herat and Kandahar provinces with financial assistance and winter relief, aiming to provide a lifeline for vulnerable returnees like Ayesha, who continue to show remarkable resilience despite adversity.

*Name changed to protect her identity.  

  This story was written by Marjan Wafa and Zuhal Nabi. For more information, please contact: IOMAFGHANISTANMEDIACOMM@iom.int