Afghan Migrants in Iran Face Escalating Deportations

Afghan migrants residing in Iran have once again voiced serious concerns about the increasing intensity of forced deportations. Many migrants report that the Iranian government is accelerating the process of expelling Afghan nationals, raising fears over the treatment and future of thousands of individuals, including those with legal residency status.

Migrants Call for Immediate Intervention

Afghan migrants are appealing to both the Iranian authorities and Afghanistan’s caretaker government to urgently address their plight. They urge a halt to the deportation process, emphasizing the need for protection and clear policies that differentiate between documented and undocumented migrants.

Safar Barz, an Afghan migrant in Iran, shared with TOLOnews:

“Unfortunately, the Iranian government has made the deportation process very rapid and severe, and it does not make a clear distinction between those who have legal documents and those who are undocumented.”

Determined Iranian Deportation Efforts Despite Appeals

Enayat Alokozai, another Afghan migrant, highlighted the persistence of deportations despite repeated appeals:

“The forced deportation of Afghan migrants by the Iranian government has intensified once again. The Iranian government is determined to expel all Afghan migrants, even though they have repeatedly appealed to international organizations and the Islamic Emirate government to pressure Iran to stop the deportations. However, it seems these efforts have been ineffective.”

Calls for Diplomatic Dialogue and International Pressure

Migrant rights activists stress the importance of diplomatic engagement and adherence to international human rights standards to protect vulnerable migrants. Juma Khan Pouya, a migrant rights advocate, told TOLOnews:

“Host governments must be compelled, based on international documents, to refrain from deporting individuals at risk and from forcibly deporting all migrants.”

Similarly, Nazar Nazari, another activist, emphasized the need for constructive dialogue:

“There is a need for a series of talks between Iran and Afghanistan to reach a lasting solution to this crisis. These talks must be conducted in a manner that satisfies both sides.”

Background: Large-Scale Forced Repatriations Since 2023

The United Nations has reported that since 2023, Iran and Pakistan have forcibly repatriated more than three million Afghan migrants. This large-scale movement has had profound humanitarian implications, underscoring the urgency of finding sustainable solutions to protect Afghan migrants and respect their rights.

The situation remains critical as Afghan migrants in Iran continue to face uncertainty and hardship. Coordinated efforts between host countries, the Afghan government, and international organizations are essential to ensure the dignity and safety of Afghan migrants amid ongoing deportations.