New border crossings opened to expedite illegal foreigners' repatriation

QUETTA (Reuters) - Pakistan on Monday opened three new border crossings to accelerate the repatriation of illegal foreigners who have been ordered to leave the country or face expulsion, officials said.

Many Afghans have opted to go home voluntarily to avoid deportation under a government push for undocumented migrants to be expelled.

The new crossings were set up at the Afghan border in southwestern Balochistan province in addition to the main crossing in Chaman district, said Caretaker Balchistan CM Jan Achakzai. "The main crossing have been overwhelmed with Afghan refugees seeking to return home voluntarily," he added.

Over 280,000 Afghan nationals have left Pakistan since the new policy was announced in early October, according to the United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees (UNHCR).

Islamabad has begun round-up operations across the country after the deadline for voluntary departure expired on Nov 1.