Iran’s justice minister has warned that any mistreatment of Afghan migrants during deportation will lead to legal action against those responsible, amid growing reports of abuse.
During a visit to Taybad district in the borders with Afghanistan to inspect deportation procedures, Justice Minister Amin Hossein Rahimi said the return of Afghan nationals must be conducted “with dignity and respect.”
On Sunday, Rahimi reiterated the need to expel what he called “illegal” migrants, saying: “No country accepts the entry of unauthorised foreigners. Migrants from any country must enter Iran, or any place they wish to go, legally and in compliance with that country’s laws and conditions.”
He said the timeframe for identifying and deporting Afghan migrants is “two hours,” and added that with cooperation from all relevant agencies at the Dogharun border crossing, the process, from identification to return, takes less than two hours for Afghans without residence permits.
Rahimi’s remarks follow repeated reports in recent months of violence by Iranian police against Afghan migrants, as well as discriminatory and insulting behaviour by some Iranian citizens.
Earlier, the Awa legal and social counselling centre published an investigative report alleging that hundreds of Afghan migrants had been subjected to violence and mistreatment during deportation from Iran, with their belongings confiscated.
In addition, some returnees have accused Iranian officers of tearing up valid passports containing legitimate visas.
