Over 8,000 Afghan Migrants Deported Daily from Iran Amid Rising Tensions

Hussein Jamshidi, the governor of Taybad, has reported a significant increase in the deportation of undocumented Afghan migrants from Iran. According to Jamshidi, approximately 8,000 Afghan migrants are being returned daily through the Dogharoun border, marking a sharp rise in deportations since the recent conflict with Israel.

Over the course of just one week, more than 95,000 undocumented Afghan migrants were identified and deported from Iran. This surge in deportations is part of Iran’s broader efforts to tighten border security and regulate the presence of undocumented migrants in the country.

Jamshidi emphasized that over 90% of Afghan migrants left voluntarily, suggesting that most chose to return home rather than face further legal challenges in Iran. He also explained that migrants were undergoing necessary legal procedures before being sent back to Afghanistan, ensuring the process was lawful.

Around 250 vehicles are used daily to transport Afghan migrants to the Dogharoun border. This operation continues to intensify as Iranian authorities focus on addressing the growing numbers of undocumented migrants in the country.

The heightened deportation efforts have targeted migrants from 11 provinces, with a particular focus on those living in precarious conditions without proper documentation. The move is part of Iran’s broader policy aimed at improving border security and regulating the presence of undocumented migrants.

The escalation of deportations comes in the wake of increased geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel. Following the 12-day conflict, the Iranian government has stepped up domestic security measures, which include cracking down on undocumented migrant populations. Afghan migrants, who have been residing in Iran for many years due to the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan, have become a primary focus of this policy.

The intensification of deportations raises humanitarian concerns. Many of the Afghan migrants deported from Iran face considerable hardships upon their return, as Afghanistan continues to struggle with economic and social instability. The deportations risk worsening the already dire situation for these migrants, many of whom have been living in Iran for years to escape the conflict in their homeland.

The Iranian government’s approach to managing the presence of undocumented migrants, especially in the context of the Israel-Iran conflict, has sparked concern among human rights organizations and international observers. Calls for more humane treatment of migrants have been growing, with a particular emphasis on the need for protection for vulnerable populations who may be caught in political and geopolitical struggles.

This crackdown on Afghan migrants is likely to have broader implications for the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, which is already under significant strain. As thousands of Afghans are being returned to an already fragile system, the international community is urging for more supportive and coordinated responses to ensure the safety and well-being of returnees.