UNHCR collects data to inform advocacy, programming and response for the protection needs of Afghans in Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and Tajikistan as well as to support Governments and partners in asylum processes. UNHCR utilises multiple data collection methodologies, including border monitoring, cross-border movement tracking through Refugee Key Informant and Household interviews, individual protection assessments and various forms of mandate registration. The overall number of Afghans with international refugee protection needs is likely to be much higher. The increase on the overall figure does not necessarily reflect the displacement of that same period, but rather the date of assessment. Over 3,700 Afghans were hosted by the Iranian authorities at border locations since 1 January 2021, although most have returned. According to Government of Uzbekistan sources, some 13,020 Afghan citizens arrived in the country since January 2021. The majority arrived before August 15 with valid visas issued by the Uzbek consulate in Mazar-i-Sharif. This group is currently unwilling and unable to return and UNHCR considers that they may be in need of international protection.