A Major Step Toward Permanent Settlement for Returning Migrants
2025-12-29
A Major Step Toward Permanent Settlement for Returning Migrants
As Afghanistan steadily advances toward social stability and economic recovery following decades of conflict, the issue of permanent settlement for returning migrants has become one of the government’s foremost priorities. Thousands of families returning to the country after prolonged displacement seek not only housing, but also dignified living conditions, security, and long-term stability. In response to these needs, the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing has prioritized the development of standardized residential townships across multiple provinces, aiming to provide returning citizens with the essential infrastructure and services required for sustainable and honorable settlement.
According to the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing, construction, leveling, and gravel surfacing of internal road networks are currently underway at an accelerated pace in 15 residential townships nationwide. These activities represent a critical phase in the delivery of basic urban services, as road infrastructure serves as a foundational element for housing accessibility, transportation, security facilitation, and the provision of public utilities.
The development process for migrant townships has been systematically structured by the Ministry into several key technical phases. These include land identification and legal verification, technical and topographical surveys, preparation of detailed master plans, and the subsequent implementation of core infrastructure and service components. Ministry data indicate that a total of 41 residential townships have been formally designated for returning migrants to date. Of these, topographical surveys have been completed for 34 townships, while survey work for the remaining seven is currently in progress.
At present, the main service implementation phase; encompassing land leveling, road construction, and gravel application; is actively ongoing in 13 townships and has been fully completed in three others. Notably, the Rabat Migrant Township in Paktia Province, the Qala-e-Azdar Township in Bamyan Province, and the migrant township in Daman District of Kandahar Province have successfully completed all infrastructure works under the first and second phases.
In addition, infrastructure development activities are progressing steadily in the Takhta Pul and Zherai districts of Kandahar Province, the Washir District of Helmand Province, and the Khwaja Kaftar townships located in the Dasht-e-Archi and Chahardara districts of Kunduz Province.
Similar works are also being implemented at a rapid pace in the migrant townships of Tarinkot in Uruzgan Province, Khas Kunar District in Kunar Province, Dawlatabad District in Faryab Province, the provincial centers of Herat and Zabul, Shamkot Township in Laghman Province, the Rodaat and Behsood districts of Nangarhar Province, and the Nahreshahi District of Balkh Province.
Despite these encouraging developments, it is essential that transparency, quality assurance, and community engagement remain central principles throughout the implementation of these projects. Residential townships must go beyond physical construction and be developed as fully livable environments. Continuous monitoring, responsiveness to community needs, and strict adherence to project timelines are critical to ensuring the effectiveness and sustainability of this national initiative.
In conclusion, the development of residential townships for returning migrants represents not only a response to housing needs, but also a strategic investment in national stability, social cohesion, and urban development. If pursued with sustained commitment, professionalism, and institutional accountability, this initiative has the potential to restore hope for thousands of families and contribute significantly to a more stable and prosperous future for Afghanistan.
Government Media and Information Center
