TEHRAN — Iran will no longer extend the census registration documents issued to Afghan migrants, with the current permits set to expire at the end of the year, a senior Interior Ministry official said.
Nader YarAhmadi, an adviser to the interior minister and head of the ministry’s foreign migrants’ affairs center, made the announcement on Saturday during a gathering of migration officials from across Iran.
“The foreign nationals’ census program was implemented to identify undocumented individuals and prevent legal complications for them,” YarAhmadi said. “It has not created any commitments for the Iranian government. Those identified as being in designated useful jobs may remain in the country.”
He added that Iranian authorities are planning to issue a new, separate residency document for Afghan migrants next year, but those without legal status will no longer be allowed to stay.
According to the official, nearly 99 percent of migrants in Iran have been registered and issued “Amayesh cards,” a residency permit for certain non-Iranian nationals.
On employment regulations, YarAhmadi said registered migrants can work legally in Iran by obtaining an employment card and work permit.
Regarding Afghan migrants specifically, he said, “These individuals must return to their own country. If they wish to come back, they must obtain passports and legal visas. This process will be coordinated with the Afghan government through its embassy.”
