The Iranian Ministry of Interior has announced plans to intensify the deportation of undocumented Afghan migrants by the end of the year, with an official calling it one of the ministry’s key objectives.
Nader Yar-Ahmadi, head of the Bureau for Aliens and Foreign Immigrants’ Affairs at the Interior Ministry, emphasised the urgency of the policy, stating, “One of the most important policies of the Iranian Interior Ministry is the deportation of undocumented Afghans by the end of this year.”
The statement, reported by IRIB on November 8, highlights the ministry’s focus on managing undocumented migration from Afghanistan.
Yar-Ahmadi stressed that the presence of unauthorized Afghans in Iran is considered illegal under Iranian law, necessitating their return to Afghanistan.
He specified that most deportations are carried out through the Dogharoun International Crossing, a crucial border point in eastern Iran.
According to the official, approximately 3,000 Afghan migrants are apprehended daily and returned to Afghanistan via this crossing.
Iran has intensified its efforts to deport Afghan migrants throughout the country, with reports indicating that Afghan students faced enrollment rejections at the beginning of the academic year.
Observers note that these measures reflect a broader trend of discriminatory policies targeting Afghan refugees and migrants, often influenced by socio-political factors beyond their residency status. In addition, Iran has formally prohibited Afghan nationals from entering 16 provinces, with reports suggesting that even Afghans holding valid visas face potential arrest and deportation.
