TEHRAN — Iranian security forces have detained at least 152 Afghan migrants in the Hermand district of Sistan and Baluchistan province, Iranian state media reported on Saturday.
According to ISNA, Mohammad Shabik, the police commander of Hermand district, said the arrests were part of a crackdown on “illegal” foreign nationals in the region.
“As a result, one thief, 152 illegal foreign nationals, five drug addicts, and eight suspects have been arrested,” Shabik said. He added that five motorbikes, two cars, and one kilogram of narcotics were also seized during the operation.
The arrests come amid broader enforcement measures against Afghan migrants in Iran. Recently, Iranian authorities detained 200 Afghan migrants on Qash Island, adding to growing concerns over the treatment of refugees in the country.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Iran currently hosts at least 3.8 million Afghan refugees and refugee-like individuals, including over 1 million who have arrived since 2021, making it one of the world’s largest refugee-hosting nations. Despite economic challenges, Iran continues to provide health care and education to Afghan refugees through Smart ID Cards, which facilitate access to essential services.
