Iranian official urges undocumented Afghan refugees to leave Tehran

The Governor of Tehran, Mohammad Sadegh Motamedian, reiterated his call for undocumented Afghan migrants to voluntarily return to Afghanistan. He stated that the deportation process for undocumented Afghan migrants has been accelerated.

Previously, the governor had emphasized that all available resources in Tehran would be utilized to deport Afghan migrants without legal documentation. The official news agency, IRNA, reported on Tuesday, January 7, that “unauthorized” individuals should voluntarily return to Afghanistan, either individually or as families.

The Governor warned undocumented migrants to report to designated centers to facilitate their lawful return. He added that if they fail to comply, authorities would take steps to detain and deport them. The governor also highlighted increased efforts by law enforcement to identify undocumented migrants and transfer them to deportation camps.

This directive comes as Afghan migrants in Iran face mounting challenges, mirroring the pressures faced by Afghan refugees in Pakistan. In Pakistan, Afghan refugees are also being detained and deported at an accelerated pace.

According to the Taliban’s embassy in Islamabad, nearly 1,000 Afghan migrants have been detained by police in recent weeks, with many already deported to Afghanistan.

Despite holding valid visas and legal documents, many Afghan refugees in both countries report being harassed, detained, or forcibly deported. Families with young children and vulnerable individuals have been particularly affected, leading to further instability and hardship.

The plight of Afghan refugees in Iran and Pakistan has drawn criticism from international organizations and human rights groups. They have urged both governments to respect the rights of refugees and ensure that deportations do not violate international legal standards.

The forced deportations of Afghan refugees, even those with proper documentation, highlight a growing humanitarian crisis. Greater global intervention is needed to address the systemic challenges facing Afghan refugees and ensure their safety and dignity.

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