Iran has announced plans to deport up to two million individuals without legal residency status by the end of March 2025. This decision, revealed by Ahmad-Resa Radan, commander of Iran’s security forces, is part of a broader effort to address the influx of migrants, particularly from neighboring Afghanistan.
The Iranian government has faced mounting pressure and debate over the substantial number of Afghan migrants who have sought refuge in the country since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. The situation has been a contentious issue, with many Afghans fleeing their war-torn homeland to escape conflict, extreme poverty, and high unemployment.
Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni highlighted the complex nature of the migrant crisis, acknowledging the Afghan community’s cultural contributions but underscoring Iran’s limitations in accommodating such a large number of people. “We have a plan to address this matter in an organized and non-agitated way, and our priority is managing illegal migration,” Momeni stated.
Current estimates suggest that approximately 4.5 million Afghan refugees reside in Iran, though some sources and Iranian media speculate the number could be as high as six to eight million. Many of these refugees work in low-wage sectors, including small shops and construction sites, contributing to the country’s economy while living in precarious conditions.
The vast and partially uninhabited 900-kilometer border between Iran and Afghanistan presents challenges for effective border control. In response, Iran is planning to construct a fortified border wall in the north-east to enhance security and manage migration flows more effectively.
Iran’s decision mirrors actions taken by neighboring Pakistan, which has also expelled a significant number of refugees. The situation underscores the broader regional challenge of managing large-scale migration amidst ongoing conflict and economic hardship.
