Socio-economic barriers for repatriation of Afghan refugees: A case study of Surkhab Refugee Camp, District Pishin

Abstract

The present study aims to explore the socio-economic barriers to repatriation of Afghan refugees in Surkhab camp of Pishin District in Balochistan province. The research focuses on two main objectives which deal with the perceptions of Afghan refugees about their resettlement in Afghanistan and to explore the socio-economic aspects affecting the repatriation of Afghan refugees. The locale of the study is Surkhab camp, where most of the respondents live belonging to Pashtun ethnic group. Semi-structured interview guide, FGDs and Case Studies were utilized to unearth the socio-economic barriers to the repatriation of Afghan refugees while acting upon the principles of in-depth interviews. A sample of 23 respondents is drawn to collect the data. The technique of participant observation is carried out for gaining a more in-depth understanding of the research topic. In addition, two case studies were also included. Research findings show that most of the refugees living in the Surkhab camp are the victims of the Soviet invasion, followed by the civil war in Afghanistan. Most Afghan refugees are reluctant to repatriate due to relative peace and generations of Afghan refugees have grown up in Pakistan. They feel more like Pakistani rather than Afghani. In contrast, some of the elderly Afghan refugees have intentions to repatriate due to their affiliation with homeland and with the condition of peace and the availability of socioeconomic opportunities in Afghanistan. The study also finds out that most of the refugees are poor and marginalized and have no lands, residence, and livelihood opportunities in Afghanistan which they have in Pakistan. Their socioeconomic conditions and the availability of social services like health and education have improved in Pakistan to such an extent that it works as a barrier to repatriation.