TEHRAN — Iran’s top law enforcement official has reiterated the government’s commitment to expel two million undocumented Afghan migrants by the end of the Iranian calendar year in March.
General Ahmadreza Radan, head of Iran’s Law Enforcement Force, emphasized the government’s resolve on Sunday during remarks in Mashhad, noting a recent increase in voluntary departures and arrests of undocumented migrants since the expulsion plan was announced.
Iranian media estimate the number of undocumented migrants in the country at around 10 million, with many Afghans fleeing conflict or seeking better economic opportunities.
Meanwhile, some Afghan migrants in Iran have reported experiencing mistreatment by authorities.
The Iranian government faces criticism domestically over its handling of undocumented immigrants, as it navigates between enforcing immigration laws and addressing humanitarian concerns.
