Protection and Assistance for Afghans in Mixed Movements: Insights from 4Mi data on Afghans in transit in Pakistan and Türkiye

Organisational Introduction

The Mixed Migration Centre (MMC) is a global network engaged in data collection, research, analysis, and policy and programmatic development on mixed migration, with regional hubs in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and Latin America, and a global team based across Copenhagen, Geneva and Brussels. MMC is a leading source for independent and high-quality data, research, analysis and expertise. MMC aims to increase understanding of mixed migration, to positively impact global and regional migration policies, to inform evidence-based mixed migration responses for people on the move and to stimulate forward thinking in public and policy debates on mixed migration. MMC’s overarching focus is on human rights and protection for all people on the move. The three overall objectives of the MMC are:

• To contribute to a better, more nuanced and balanced understanding of mixed migration (knowledge)
• To contribute to evidence-based and better-informed migration policies and debates (policy)
• To contribute to effective evidence-based protection responses for people on the move (programming)

The MMC is part of, and governed by, DRC. MMC regional hubs are hosted within DRC regional offices, but part of the global MMC network. While its institutional link to DRC ensures MMC’s work is grounded in operational reality, it acts as an independent source of data, research, analysis and policy development on mixed migration for policymakers, practitioners, journalists, and the broader humanitarian sector. The position of the MMC does not necessarily reflect the position of DRC. For more information on MMC visit our website (https://mixedmigration.org/).

Since 2014, MMC has been implementing 4Mi (please see our website for details) as its flagship primary data collection system which is an innovative approach that helps fill knowledge gaps, and inform policy and response regarding the nature of mixed migratory movements and the protection risks for refugees and migrants on the move. 4Mi has a unique network of field enumerators situated along frequently used mixed migration routes and in major migratory hubs. It aims to offer a regular, standardized, quantitative system of collecting primary data on mixed migration. In Asia and the Pacific, 4Mi has been active and implemented in Türkiye, Afghanistan, India, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.

Context

Afghanistan’s displacement crisis has emerged as one of the most significant and enduring humanitarian emergencies in the region. Since the Taliban takeover in August 2021, the political upheaval has drastically altered migration patterns, leading to more irregular movements of Afghans. In response to limited regular pathways and increasingly securitized borders in neighboring countries, Afghans have been reliant on smugglers, resulting in the emergence of new, more dangerous migration routes and rising costs associated with migration. Afghans face heightened risks not only during their journeys but also in transit and destination countries, where they often endure exploitation, abuse, and precarious living conditions. These challenges are exacerbated by restrictive migration policies and the closure of consular services in Afghanistan.

In addition, national and regional legal protection frameworks along the Afghan migration route in the region remain inadequate, leaving Afghans vulnerable to a range of risks, including arbitrary arrest, detention, deportation, and trafficking. Many face significant barriers to accessing essential public services such as healthcare, housing, and legal support. Hostile public attitudes toward migrants and refugees, fueled by politicized narratives around migration, further complicate their situation, especially in neighbouring countries and along migration routes to Europe. In recent years, the global humanitarian focus on Afghanistan has also diminished, particularly as attention and resources have shifted toward other crises. Nevertheless, understanding the specific vulnerabilities and migration patterns of Afghans on the move is essential to ensuring effective protection responses and identifying durable solutions for this population.

Since August 2021, the Mixed Migration Centre (MMC) has been conducting interviews through its 4Mi enumerators based in Pakistan and Türkiye to gain insights into the evolving migration landscape. As of August 2024, MMC has conducted over 6,000 interviews with Afghans who have arrived in Türkiye and Pakistan. These interviews reveal that Afghans now face additional or amplified physical and psychosocial protection risks during their journeys. Key risks include increasing cross-border smuggling costs, rising visa and intermediary fees, detention, kidnapping, torture, targeted violence, pushbacks, forced returns, and struggles for livelihoods in destination countries. An increasing number of Afghans en route to Pakistan and Türkiye have reported incidents of physical violence, detention, ill-health, kidnapping, and robbery since the takeover.

Despite the significant risks en route, protection options for Afghans in Pakistan, Türkiye, and Iran—another key transit and destination country—are limited. In Pakistan, Afghans can seek temporary protection through the ‘Proof of Registration Card’ or the ‘Afghan Citizen Card.’ In Türkiye, Afghans are permitted to register with UNHCR to receive limited temporary protection until a durable solution is found. In Iran, Afghans could historically apply for the ‘Amayesh Card,’ though this option has been largely unavailable since 2002. Without these forms of legal documentation, Afghan migrants face significant risks of living in irregular status.

Against this backdrop, this research seeks to examine the specific protection risks faced by Afghan migrants en route to Pakistan and Türkiye, as well as the role of stakeholders in addressing these challenges. The study will also assess the assistance gaps along migration routes and the factors affecting access to protection and services. By identifying these gaps and exploring potential future migration patterns, this research will provide crucial insights to enhance the safety and protection of Afghans in mixed migration contexts.

Objectives of the Consultancy

The aim of this research is to map the risks incurred by Afghans en route to Pakistan and Türkiye. The main risks investigated relate to the following: deaths and disappearances; SGBV; physical violence; kidnap for ransom; arbitrary detention; bribery and extortion; robbery; trafficking in persons; and collective expulsion or refoulement. Notably, the study will also analyze the prevalence and role of smuggling in Afghan migration, given its crucial role in facilitating movement amid border restrictions and the protection risks it poses.

The purpose of this consultancy is:

1. to provide a mapping of the risks and dangerous locations incurred by Afghans en route to Pakistan and Türkiye based on collected 4Mi data;
2. to improve the understanding of assistance gaps and factors affecting access to services among Afghans en route to Pakistan and Türkiye based on collected 4Mi data;
3. to analyze the role of smuggling in Afghan migration, focusing on its prevalence, associated risks, and its impact on the protection of migrants and their access to services;
4. to provide concrete, practical and targeted recommendations for policy and program responses for key actors in the region, as well as future research areas.

Key Research Questions

• How has Afghan migration changed in the context of the post-August 2021 take over in Afghanistan, and what are the emerging key characteristics of Afghan migration?
• What has been the effect of increased pushbacks and restrictions on the ability of Afghans to move, and what implications does this have on migration decision making among Afghans?
• What are the key challenges and protection risks faced by Afghans en route? Who are the perpetrators of these risks, and which groups among Afghans are the most vulnerable? What factors contribute to their vulnerability?
• What are the needs of Afghans during their migration journeys? What do they require en route that is currently inaccessible? Which services are lacking, where are the gaps, and what factors hinder access to these services?
• What local, regional, and international legal protection frameworks are available for Afghan migrants? What gaps exist in these frameworks, particularly regarding implementation?
• What key policy and program recommendations can be made to address Afghan migration in the region and beyond, particularly towards Europe?
• What future areas of research should be prioritised to better understand Afghan migration dynamics and its challenges?

Dissemination of research findings

It is anticipated that final research findings will be disseminated through MMC’s and DRC’s networks in the form of a written report, as well as an online presentation. It is envisaged that intermediary dissemination sessions may also be conducted by the consultant in order to share and validate preliminary research findings.

Methodology and methods

The Consultant will be required to prepare a detailed methodology and work plan indicating how the objectives of the project will be achieved, and the support required from MMC.

This research will be based on the already-acquired 4Mi data comprised of 6,000 surveys collected through the MMC’s flagship primary data collection system, 4Mi (about 4Mi, see: https://mixedmigration.org/4mi/) and 30 qualitative interviews in Pakistan and Turkiye. It is expected that this research will draw on diverse and inclusive perspectives, primarily from Afghans in addition to key informants from civil society, international organisations, and non-governmental organisations. This research should be grounded in evidence from a review of relevant research, literature, and policy documents. The research will progress in line with the ethical research standards defined by MMC, ensuring informed consent, confidentiality, and best practice in refugee-specific research informant protection.

Alignment with MMC’s Strategic Focus

MMC Strategic Objectives / Outcome of Study

To contribute to a better, more nuanced and balanced understanding of mixed migration (knowledge)

• Increased understanding of mixed migration in the context of Asia (specifically in this instance, Afghan routes) and the particular situations of vulnerability migrants may experience.

To contribute to effective evidence-based protection responses for people on the move (programming)

• Key Findings and practical recommendations will be shared with relevant stakeholders across Asia to foster more targeted protection efforts.

To contribute to evidence-based and better-informed migration policies and debates (policy)

• Findings, including recommendations, will be disseminated widely among key actors in the region to help evidence advocacy goals

Timeframes and deliverables

The consultancy will culminate in a research report concisely presenting findings in clear language, adhering to the MMC’s guidelines and publishable upon completion.

Phase 1: Inception stage

In the inception stage, the consultant will develop an inception report, detailing the research methodology, a preliminary bibliography and data sources for desk review, and report structure. The consultant will conduct a desk review and analysis of the 4Mi data and qualitative interviews, detailing key findings from the data and a research outline in the inception report.

Phase 2: Research Plan presentation

The consultant will present their inception report to MMC, including main findings and a research plan outlining how they plan to draft the report. Following consultation and feedback from MMC, the consultant will finalise the report structure for drafting.

Phase 3: Report Writing

The consultant will draft the final report (no more than 30 pages). The first draft will be shared with MMC team for comments and inputs, with the final report (no more than 30 pages) and an executive summary (three pages maximum) to be delivered by the consultant within one week of receiving the feedback. The consultant is responsible for ensuring that the final report is fully copy-edited and complies with MMC’s editorial and style guidelines. The final report will carry the MMC’s logo, acknowledging the authorship of the consultant.

The research will be conducted between November and December 2024. The estimated duration of this assignment is 20 working days (negotiable depending on the breadth of the proposal). The tentative schedule of deliverables follows.

The Consultant will submit the following deliverables as outlined in the Annex A.1 Terms of Reference.

EXPECTED PROFILE/QUALIFICATIONS

• Consultant/s should have a degree in Law, Social Sciences, International Relations, Migration, Refugee Studies or any other related area of study;
• A strong and proven background (e.g. through prior publications) in migration and refugee governance in the regional context.
• Proven research skills, including in both quantitative and qualitative analysis;
• Strong stakeholder networks within the Afghan region with the ability to work consultatively with key stakeholders throughout the research process;
• Good understanding of legal and policy frameworks relating to migration and forced displacement (national, regional, and international);
• Excellent analytical and reporting skills. Proven track record of publications on (mixed) migration and forced displacement;
• Fluency in written and spoken English.

The Consultant is obliged to abide by DRC’s code of conduct (Annex D).

PROPOSAL EVALUATION & SUBMISSION

Please check RFP Invitation Letter.

PRIMARY CONTACT POINT

This is a home-based consultancy. The consultant’s main point of contact will be MMC Asia manager, Fiona Robertson (fiona.robertson@mixedmigration.org).