Iran called on the United Nations to provide additional funding to help manage the growing number of migrants in the country, particularly Afghan nationals, according to Nader Yar Ahmadi, head of the Center for Foreign Citizens and Migrants Affairs at Iran’s Ministry of Interior.
During a meeting with UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi on the sidelines of the Executive Committee of the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Geneva, Ahmadi emphasized that international resources cover less than one percent of the costs associated with hosting migrants in Iran. He cited the lack of sufficient funding as a key reason for the increasing strain on Iran’s ability to address the needs of refugees.
“There is no longer the capacity to accommodate Afghan nationals, and they should return to their country,” Ahmadi said, underscoring the financial burden Iran faces.
Ahmadi warned that without greater responsibility from the international community, Iran may be forced to reconsider its migrant policies. He specifically called on the UNHCR to increase funding for the construction and equipping of schools for Afghan children and to support the salaries of teachers providing free education to Afghan migrants in Iran.
The plea for more support comes amid growing concerns from Afghan migrants about mistreatment in Iran. Many have reported difficulties accessing education for their children, with some claiming that the Iranian government has refused to allow Afghan children to enroll in schools, further exacerbating their struggles.
