Iranian official urges undocumented Afghan migrants to return home

Nader Yar Ahmadi, an adviser to Iran’s interior minister and head of the Office for Foreign Nationals and Immigrants, has urged undocumented Afghan migrants in Iran to voluntarily return to Afghanistan.

Speaking to IRIB News Agency, Yar Ahmadi stressed that stricter measures will soon target employers hiring undocumented migrants and warned of additional restrictions for those without legal residency.

“Our primary policy is to continue providing services to individuals with legal documents. For those who enter the country illegally, stricter limitations will be enforced soon,” he stated.

Yar Ahmadi attributed the significant influx of Afghan migrants to Iran’s comparatively better living standards, citing opportunities for higher income, comfort, and access to affordable services. “The main reasons for the high migration of Afghan nationals to Iran are higher income opportunities, comfort, and access to favorable services at low costs,” he explained.

While recognizing the economic and security challenges driving migration from Afghanistan, Yar Ahmadi reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to prioritizing support for migrants with proper documentation. However, undocumented migrants will face increasingly stringent measures.

Iran hosts the world’s largest population of Afghan migrants, but its policies toward them have drawn criticism. Tehran recently announced plans to expel around two million Afghan nationals by year-end, prompting concerns among migrant communities already grappling with growing restrictions and allegations of mistreatment.

Despite repeated calls for Afghan migrants to return home, many remain in Iran, citing instability and dire conditions in Afghanistan. Reports of harsh measures and widespread discrimination have fueled fears and heightened tensions, leaving undocumented migrants in an increasingly precarious position.