The voluntary repatriation of registered Afghans, with Proof of Registration (PoR) cards in Pakistan, assisted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), will resume on Wednesday, April 1, from Peshawar. The start date for Quetta will be communicated to the registered Afghans later, according to a press release here on Friday.
Registered Afghans, living in NWFP-Punjab-Sind-Islamabad, who choose to voluntarily repatriate, with UNHCR assistance during the year, can approach the Voluntary Repatriation Centre (VRC) located in Peshawar, the press release added.
Afghans approaching the Centre must bring their own and family members PoR cards, along with two family group photos--in colour. UNHCR will not process Afghans without PoR cards and the photos, the release said.
Registered Afghans returning to Afghanistan with UNHCR assistance will get an average of $100 per individual as transport and re-integration grant to help them settle in Afghanistan, based on distances to their destination. Registration of new-born babies is mandatory to receive the voluntary repatriation grant. Unregistered new-borns will not be eligible to receive the voluntary repatriation assistance, offered by UNHCR.
To register a new-born, registered Afghans are encouraged to visit the nearest, newly opened Proof of Registration (PoR) Card Modification (PCM Centres) in Peshawar, Quetta, Karachi, Lahore and Haripur.
Iris verification for returnees, aged five years and above, is mandatory for UNHCR assistance. It should be note that PoR cards will be de-registered at the VRCs by Pakistans National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) before their departure for Afghanistan.
NWFP VRC (address and work schedule): The Hayatabad VRC is located behind the Police Chowki, second-turning, Phase 5, Hayatabad, Peshawar, with office working hours from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm every day, except Fridays and Saturdays.