More than just a job: Starting over as an Afghan returnee

After spending seven years in Iran, Qalandar Jigarkhon never imagined he would one day return to Afghanistan with little more than hope for a fresh start.

Originally from Tagab district, Qalandar left Afghanistan years ago with his family after conflict and insecurity devastated their community. Bombings destroyed homes in their area and claimed the life of his nephew, leaving the family with no choice but to seek safety elsewhere.

“The war destroyed our home and our peace,” Qalandar recalled. “We left because we had no other option.”

In Iran, Qalandar worked in an aluminum factory and managed to support his large family. Life was difficult but stable. However, after receiving orders to leave the country, he and his family were forced to return to Afghanistan nearly four and a half months ago, leaving behind years of hard work and savings.

According to Qalandar, nearly 60 million Iranian Tomans (approximately USD 340 at current exchange rates) that he had earned and saved over the years remained in Iran. The money had been entrusted to other individuals, and he was unable to recover it after returning to Afghanistan.

Now living in a rented house in Kabul with 12 family members, including his wife, children, brothers, and sisters, Qalandar faces immense financial pressure. His two young daughters suffer from malnutrition, while his wife struggles with diabetes and high blood pressure, requiring regular medical care.

“Every month we must pay rent, buy food, and cover medical expenses,” he said. “But jobs are very limited, and my brothers are also unemployed.”

With few livelihood opportunities available, Qalandar worried constantly about how he would provide for his family. The small amount of assistance he received upon return was quickly exhausted.

Laborers working on the construction of plum concrete streets under the CRLP in District 12 of Kabul city. @Rafiullah Hemat 

Through the Community Resilience and Livelihoods Project (CRLP), implemented by UNOPS, Qalandar recently found temporary employment working on the construction of streets with plum concrete surfacing in District 12 of Kabul city.

For the past 10 days, he has been earning 450 Afghanis per day — income that is helping him provide food and basic necessities for his family during an extremely difficult period.

“This work has given me hope,” he said. “When there is work in our own country, we are happy to stay and work here.”

The project not only supports the rehabilitation of community infrastructure but also creates short-term employment opportunities for vulnerable households, including returnees and internally displaced people striving to rebuild their lives.

For Qalandar, the opportunity means more than just daily wages. It represents dignity, stability, and the possibility of keeping his children in school while caring for his family.

So far, the CRLP has provided livelihood and employment support to more than 43,067 returnees and internally displaced people across Afghanistan, helping vulnerable families rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their communities.

×