Afghanistan is second only to Syria in the number of refugees originating from within its borders in recent years. Officially, about 2.5 million refugees have left Afghanistan in the almost four decades of this country being marked by hostilities and terror. The unofficial figure for the number of people who have fled exceeds six million. The majority of them are currently in the neighbouring countries of Pakistan and Iran as well as in Turkey. It is in this context that the first information centre for potential migrants was opened in Kabul, the Afghan capital.

Drawing on its extensive experience with setting up and operating such Migrant Resource Centres (MRCs) in Pakistan, the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) was able to set up the first such centre in Afghanistan in a joint endeavour with the Afghan Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations (MoRR). Its fundamental goal is to provide clear and understandable information on possibilities for orderly migration, as well as rules and regulations, including relevant pre-departure information, to potential migrants. Raising awareness of the risks and dangers associated with irregular migration is another aim of the MRC. These efforts seek to warn potential emigrants about exploitation by organised groups of people smugglers as well as to protect them from human trafficking. Considering the large number of returnees, the Centre will also provide information on reintegration services in the country and will work closely with the respective ministries, civil society, international organisations and the media.

Overall, the Migrant Resource Centre in Kabul assists people in Afghanistan in realistically assessing the opportunities and conditions in the countries of destination; this approach shall result in better-informed people making better-informed decisions. The MRC staff provides information services in Kabul as well as in communities in various regions of Afghanistan, at schools, universities and other government services, such as the offices of passport-issuing authorities.