The role of smugglers in Afghans’ irregular journeys to Türkiye

Migration has been a constant in and from Afghanistan in recent decades, particularly due to intensified conflict and instability. Given the restrictions on regular migration pathways, especially in terms of access to visa processes and affiliated costs, irregular migration is often the preferred – or only – option for many seeking to leave. Smuggling  networks across the country have taken advantage of a lucrative and under-policed market, leading thousands of people into neighboring countries daily. Smuggling networks are an integral part of the Afghan economy. Since the August 2021 Taliban takeover and subsequent economic collapse, smuggling services experienced a spike in demand from Afghans trying to flee.

Despite the prevalence of smuggling networks, gaps remain in understanding how they operate, largely due to their illicit nature. This snapshot on the use of smugglers among Afghans in route to Türkiye aims to contribute to a solid evidence base to inform targeted responses and advocacy efforts related to migrant protection and migration movements to and through Türkiye. It is based on 2,403 surveys conducted with Afghans.