TEHRAN — Nader Yar Ahmadi, an adviser to Iran’s interior minister and head of the Office for Foreign Nationals and Immigrants, has called on undocumented Afghan migrants to take advantage of opportunities to voluntarily return to their home country.
Speaking to IRIB News Agency, Yar Ahmadi emphasized that stricter measures will be implemented against employers who hire undocumented migrants in Iran.
He attributed the high influx of Afghan migrants to Iran’s comparatively better living conditions. “The main reasons for the high migration of Afghan nationals to Iran are higher income opportunities, comfort, and access to favorable services at low costs,” he said.
Acknowledging the economic and security challenges that drive Afghan migration, Yar Ahmadi said Iran’s priority remains serving those with legal residency. However, he warned that undocumented migrants will face additional restrictions in the near future.
“Our primary policy is to continue providing services to individuals with legal documents. For those who enter the country illegally, stricter limitations will be enforced soon,” he stated.
Iran is home to the largest population of Afghan migrants in the world. While Tehran has repeatedly emphasized the need for Afghan nationals to return to their home country, reports of harsh measures and discrimination have sparked criticism from migrant communities.
Earlier this year, Iranian officials announced plans to expel approximately two million Afghan migrants by the end of the year. Many Afghans, however, have complained of escalating restrictions and mistreatment in Iran, further complicating their already precarious situation.
