ISLAMABAD, April 19: The government on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) for the registration of Afghan refugees in the country.

Minister for States and Frontier Regions Sardar Yar Muhammad Rind told a press conference after the signing of the MoU that the registration was a follow-up of the recently conducted census of Afghan refugees in the country.

There are some 2.6 million Afghan refugees living in different parts of the country. Some 4 million refugees have returned to Afghanistan, 2.6 million of whom were repatriated with the assistance of the UNHCR.

Mr Rind said Afghan refugees who presented themselves for registration over the next three years would be given identity cards, which would basically serve the purpose of travel documents within the country. However, these wouldn’t have the legal status of work permits.

Those who choose not to register will be treated as illegal immigrants, he said.

Once an Afghan refugee leaves Pakistan, he or she would automatically get de-registered. This three-year agreement, the minister said, can be subsequently extended if both the UNHCR and Pakistan government agree to it.

UN deputy high commissioner for refugees Wendy Chamberlain told the press conference that the registration process was aimed at facilitating and protecting refugees till they returned home with dignity.

Ms Chamberlain said the registration of documents would be provided by Nadra.