Iran's New Program Aims to Repatriate Afghan Migrants Amid Regional Deportation Pressures

Iran plans to deport approximately two million undocumented Afghan migrants, emphasizing respect for human dignity in the process. This move coincides with Pakistan's similar efforts, raising concerns about potential crises for returnees facing hardships under Taliban rule in Afghanistan. Humanitarian groups call for greater international support.

Iran is set to repatriate close to two million undocumented Afghan migrants, asserting that the approach will adhere to legal procedures while maintaining human dignity, as reported by Khaama Press. Iran's Interior Minister, Eskandar Momeni, disclosed that a new initiative will facilitate the dignified return of Afghan nationals without legal documentation.

Momeni highlighted that the initial phase would concentrate on those who illegally entered Iran. Emphasizing the complexity of managing over six million Afghan migrants, Momeni called for both national and international cooperation. He clarified that the move should not be perceived as anti-immigrant, but a necessary enforcement of national immigration laws.

The National Migration Organization is tasked with overseeing the deportation process. Most returnees are expected to exit through the Khorasan Razavi border. With Pakistan also initiating deportation efforts, there is a rising regional pressure on Afghan refugees. Humanitarian groups have expressed concerns, warning that such mass deportations could lead to a crisis given the challenges in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.

(With inputs from agencies.)