TEHRAN: Iran has announced a plan to expel approximately six million Afghan nationals, with the first phase targeting two million undocumented migrants for deportation. This move comes as Iran’s government cites national security concerns and a need to manage the country’s economic and social resources.
According to Iranian officials, the mass deportation is part of a broader strategy to address the presence of foreign nationals, particularly those without legal residency. The Interior Minister, Eskandar Momeni, stated that the process would be carried out “with dignity and respect,” focusing initially on Afghans who have no legal documentation. The Khorasan Razavi border is expected to be a major crossing point for the returnees.
The announcement follows a recent surge in deportations from Iran, as well as Pakistan, putting immense pressure on Afghanistan’s fragile humanitarian situation. The UN and other international organizations have expressed concern about the potential for a severe crisis, as Afghanistan’s economy is struggling, and its health and social systems are already overwhelmed.
Humanitarian groups warn that many of those being deported, including women and children, are returning to a country where they face poverty, unemployment, and the harsh realities of life under Taliban rule. The recent conflict with Israel and heightened security concerns within Iran have also been cited as factors contributing to the accelerated pace of deportations.
