Iran Steps Up Deportations of Afghans
This week, the governor of Iran’s border region, as reported by an Afghan news agency, revealed that the country has significantly intensified its pace of deporting Afghan nationals, with over 8,000 individuals being sent back daily.
In a statement on Sunday, the governor of Teybad, a city near the Afghan border, indicated that last week alone saw more than 95,000 deportations. He suggested that many of those sent back had chosen to leave Iran on their own, asserting that the government adhered to proper legal procedures in the deportations.
This increase in deportations is part of broader expulsions of Afghans from neighboring nations, especially Iran. Following the end of the Afghan war in 2020, and the collapse of the US-backed government in 2021, the Taliban has repeatedly called for Afghan citizens, particularly professionals like doctors and engineers, to return. At a press conference shortly after Kabul fell, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid emphasized the need for their expertise, highlighting chaotic scenes at the airport where many were trying to flee.
The UN had previously urged neighboring countries to accept the few Afghans escaping Taliban rule, but the appeal was largely overlooked. Iran took a decisive stance during the early days of the Taliban’s return to power. However, the overall number of Afghans in countries like Pakistan and Iran remains high, prompting extensive deportation efforts.
Governor Jamshidi, as cited, noted that Dogharoon alone is processing around 8,000 people crossing the border each day. He described the heightened deportation efforts as targeting immigrants from eleven different countries, especially those living in precarious conditions without adequate documentation. This approach is part of a broader Iranian strategy aimed at bolstering border security and managing undocumented immigrant populations.
Jamshidi claimed that over 90% of the deported Afghans left voluntarily, suggesting that most preferred to return home rather than confront additional legal issues in Iran. However, reports from Afghan media outlet Tolo News indicate that actual figures could be significantly higher, estimating that up to 30,000 people may be entering the country daily from the Islamic Republic border.
The Taliban regime, which has received mixed reactions from Iran, has labeled the situation an “immigration crisis.” The Bakhtar News Agency reported that Taliban officials recently held discussions with UN representatives to address the situation, urging a meeting with Iranian officials to explore solutions.
Taliban official Mauravi Abdul Kabir mentioned a commitment to cooperate with the UN, emphasizing the urgency of addressing migration issues, highlighting the need for a trilateral summit involving Iran and the UN.
UN estimates suggest that about one million Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan, with a noted rise in expulsions from Iran. Another Taliban figure, Abdul Salam Hanafi, called for more humane treatment of Afghans at the border, asserting that Islamic obligations demand respect and rights for immigrants should not be violated.
Reports from deported Afghans point to harsh treatment by Iranian border officials, with some describing humiliations and violence during the deportation process. Activist Juma Khan Poiel highlighted that Iran’s actions are contrary to international standards related to immigrant rights.
Even within Iran, there are voices questioning the harshness of these deportations. Former government official Lasol Mousabi suggested a more compassionate approach towards Afghan migrants, distancing their actions from political conflicts with entities like Israel and the US.
The uptick in deportations from Iran has been noted particularly following a recent ceasefire agreement with Israel, coinciding with an increased focus on Afghan migrants. Deportation has emerged as a significant challenge for the Taliban as they aim to stabilize Afghanistan. In June, officials claimed over five million Afghans had returned home, while UN sources estimate around six million people remain displaced within Afghanistan.
A large number of repatriations have occurred this year, partly driven by recent mass deportations from Pakistan, where the government mandated that two million Afghan refugees, who were previously tolerated, must leave.
