A social media campaign led by Afghan activists is urging Afghan investors and business owners in Iran to withdraw their capital from Iranian banks. The campaign is launched in protest against what they describe as growing racism and mass deportations targeting Afghan migrants.
The campaign emerged following a sharp escalation in deportations by the Islamic Republic of Iran, particularly in the aftermath of its recent 12-day conflict with Israel.
Some social media users have shared an unverified list allegedly identifying Afghan businessmen with substantial accounts at Iran’s Bank Sepah. The authenticity of the list has not been independently verified.
Seta Sultani, one of the campaign organisers, wrote: “Afghan investors in Iran, if you have even a shred of dignity, pull your investments out. At the very least, don’t accept this humiliation.”
Samiullah Amin, another participant, called on Afghan traders to explore alternatives: “If you won’t return to your country, the best alternative is Dubai: no discrimination, no conflict, and a suitable place for business and life. It even offers renewable 10-year golden visas.”
Laila Forugh, writing on X (formerly Twitter), also appealed to Afghan business owners: “Withdraw your capital from Iran. At the very least, don’t accept this disgrace. If there are no opportunities at home, go to Oman, the UAE, or Saudi Arabia. In Iran, even your money isn’t safe. It could be seized at any moment.”
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) recently reported that more than 1.2 million Afghan citizens have been forcibly deported from Iran and Pakistan since the beginning of the year. The agency warned that continued large-scale deportations could further exacerbate Afghanistan’s already dire humanitarian crisis.
