ISLAMABAD: The office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees(UNHCR) will suspend Afgan refugees repatriations operation from December1, 2018 to February 28, 2019 due to the winter season to facilitaterefugees as Afghanistan is in grip of severe winter during first few monthsof new year.
An official Of UNHCR Qasir Afridi told APP that that during the winterbreak, UNHCR offices in Pakistan will continue to provide counseling,information and assistance to refugees during the winter break.
He said that Kabul, Samar khel and Jamal Mayna Encashment Centres inAfghanistan will also not be in operation. He said that those refugees whoare not able to formally register at the Authorized points in Pakistan andreturn without a voluntary repatriation form will not be assisted with casegrants and will not have access to Encashment Centres in Afghanistan.
The winter break, UNHCR will not bear the expenses of repatriation centres(VRC’s) at Azakhail, Nowshara and Baleli Quetta.
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During the winter season, the proof of registration card retains itsvalidity despite expiry and registered PoR cardholders will be accordedtheir full rights as refugees in Pakistan, he added. He informed that thoserefugees, who are cardholders and facing harassment,extortion or illtreatment should contact UNHCR for immediate assistance. He added that allservices provided by UNHCR in Pakistan and Afghanistan are free of charge.
