NewKerala.com

Key Points

Iran has announced plans to deport around two million undocumented Afghan migrants, emphasizing a dignified and legal process. The move comes as Pakistan prepares its own repatriation campaign, raising fears of a humanitarian crisis. The UNHCR warns of severe poverty and unemployment in Afghanistan, with millions already deported. International aid is urgently needed to support returnees facing dire conditions under Taliban rule.

Key Points: Iran Plans to Deport 2 Million Undocumented Afghan Migrants

  • Iran to deport undocumented Afghans in phases starting with illegal entrants
  • UNHCR warns of worsening humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan
  • Pakistan also preparing Afghan refugee repatriation
  • Over 2.2 million Afghans already deported from Iran and Pakistan
2 min read

Iran plans to deport around two million undocumented Afghan migrants

Iran announces plans to deport 2 million Afghan migrants amid rising regional pressure, sparking humanitarian concerns.

"The process will follow legal procedures with dignity and respect – Eskandar Momeni, Iran's Interior Minister"

Kabul, Aug 18

Amid rising regional pressure on refugees, Iran is planning to deport around two million undocumented Afghan migrants, the authorities in Tehran said on Monday while assuring that the process will follow legal procedures with dignity.

Iran's Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni said that a new programme is underway to send back around two million undocumented Afghans to their homeland with "dignity and respect," leading Afghan news agency Khaama Press reported.

Speaking to reporters in Mashhad on Monday, Momeni said the first phase will focus on undocumented Afghans who came to Iran with no legal document. He stated that over six million Afghan nationals currently reside in Iran, noting that managing such a large population needs serious national and international cooperation.

He stressed that the programme should not be considered anti-immigrant and stated that each nation has its own laws and regulations regarding foreign nationals. He further stated that the National Migration Organisation will oversee the process, ensuring that all returns are sent back to Afghanistan as per legal procedures and with respect for human dignity.

Momeni stated that majority of Afghan nationals are expected to leave through the Khorasan Razavi border, which has for long been a crossing point between the two nations. Iranian minister's announcement comes as Pakistan prepares to start its own repatriation campaign for Afghan migrants, set to begin in September.

Humanitarian groups have expressed concerns over mass deportations from Iran and Pakistan, saying that it could cause a severe crisis, as people who have returned to their homeland face poverty, unemployment, and restrictions under Taliban rule.

On August 17, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) warned that its funds are depleting as 2.2 million Afghans have returned from Pakistan and Iran and called for urgent aid amid worsening poverty and dire humanitarian crisis.

The UNHCR warned that its budget is running out amid mass expulsion of Afghan refugees from Iran and Pakistan. In a statement on August 17, the UNHCR called for urgent international aid to sustain its operations supporting Afghan returnees. Since the start of 2025, over 2.2 million Afghans have been deported from Iran and Pakistan, according to UNHCR. The UN mentioned that poverty and unemployment in Afghanistan are rising sharply, with over half of the people reliant on humanitarian assistance for survival.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Heartbreaking news 😔 These refugees have nowhere to go back to with Taliban ruling Afghanistan. The international community needs to step up humanitarian aid immediately. India has always welcomed refugees - remember how we helped Tibetans and Bangladeshis.
A
Aman W
Iran and Pakistan both taking similar actions shows this is a regional security concern. But deporting 2 million people without proper rehabilitation plans will only create bigger problems. SAARC nations should discuss this collectively.
S
Sarah B
While I understand Iran's position, the timing couldn't be worse with Afghanistan's economic collapse. The UNHCR warning about funds drying up is alarming. Where will these people get food and shelter? The world can't just look away.
V
Vikram M
India should be cautious - we already have our own challenges with illegal immigration. But we must balance security with humanity. Maybe temporary shelters near border with UN support could be considered. Jai Hind!
N
Nisha Z
The minister says it will be done with dignity, but mass deportations never end well. Remember Rohingya crisis? International organizations need to put pressure for phased returns with proper support systems in Afghanistan first.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50