The sentiment dates back at least two centuries and has seen a rise in the past few decades across the world with the increase of Afghan migrants, refugees and issues relating to unlawful acts, ranging from minor offenses to more severe ones such as terrorism, sexual violations, drug trafficking, human trafficking and other forms of international crime that have connections to Afghanistan or Afghan people.
However, the crimes associated with Afghans have led to an increase in anti-Afghan sentiment amongst local Iranian citizens and authorities alike.
[10][11] By late 2023, the Pakistani government began a massive campaign to deport Afghans living in the country; especially the ones with no legal status.
[18] A video surfaced online showing Turkish ultra-nationalists beating an Afghan man and was circulated on social media.
A senior Korean humanitarian worker warned against the generalizations of immigrants and crime and argued parents should learn about other cultures rather than hold onto xenophobic beliefs.
[20] The issue of crime involving Afghan refugees and immigrants has stoked anti-Afghan public sentiment amongst locals across Europe.
But soon after overstaying their welcome by increasing the crime problems in the country, public sentiment towards Afghans began to deteriorate badly and stir up anti-Afghan prejudice.
[23] Some Afghan refugees accused of sex crimes against minors had previous deportation orders issued against them because of these unlawful acts.
[25][26] A 2018 research report argued that ever since the incidents in Kempele, a surge in affiliating rape crimes with refugees has become a new trend based on stereotypical prejudices.
The acting vice chancellor urged German people not to scapegoat migrants and warned right-wing groups not to exploit the incidents for propaganda purposes.
[32] The United Kingdom (UK) has witnessed increasing incidents relating to Afghan refugees, causing backlash from locals.
The incident went viral amongst local British residents on social media and resulted in violent public protests in which a police vehicle was damaged.