Iran has reportedly deported around 43,000 Afghan illegal immigrants back to their home country within just one month. The news was confirmed by the Taliban-led Refugees and Repatriation Department, with Abdul Rahman Rashid, the deputy minister of Refugees and Repatriation, stating that efforts are being made to address the challenges faced by the country’s immigrants in various nations.
Out of the total number of deportations, approximately 46,000 individuals returned voluntarily, while more than 43,000 were forcefully deported from the Islamic Republic of Iran due to the lack of legal documentation to reside there. However, some of the returning citizens have expressed their concerns and asked the government for assistance in finding employment.
One such individual is Nizamuddin, who just returned to Afghanistan from Iran three days ago. He highlighted the difficulties faced during the deportation process, mentioning how many people were crammed into a single car, making the journey extremely challenging. Another deportee, Mohammad Fawad, spoke about the difficult situation in Afghanistan, where job opportunities are scarce even for individuals with higher education degrees.
These recent deportations add to the already significant number of Afghan migrants who have sought refuge in neighboring countries over the past couple of years. According to official statistics, over 1.6 million Afghans have migrated to neighboring nations within this period.
The return of the Taliban to power has prompted new waves of Afghan refugees seeking safety in Iran and Pakistan due to various concerns, including the fear of death threats and persecution by the Taliban. In July alone, more than 4,700 Afghan migrants were deported within a 24-hour period through the Milak border crossing in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan province.
The reasons for deportation cited by immigration officials include illegal entry, overstaying, and expired passports. Parviz Ghasemzada, Iran’s border commander for the area, emphasized the importance of entering, residing, and leaving Iran legally, mentioning that anyone attempting to enter the country illegally would be deported. Ghasemzada further emphasized the authorities’ commitment to combatting the illegal residence of unauthorized foreigners in the Sistan and Baluchestan region.
As the situation in Afghanistan remains unstable and uncertain following the Taliban’s return, it is expected that the number of Afghan immigrants seeking refuge in neighboring countries will continue to rise. The government must address the challenges faced by these individuals, particularly in terms of providing employment opportunities and support for their integration into society.
The deportation of Afghan illegal immigrants from Iran highlights the immense struggles faced by individuals fleeing their home country in search of safety and a better life. It is crucial for the international community to address the root causes of migration and create conditions that enable individuals to live peacefully and prosper in their home countries.
