TEHRAN — Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said that Tehran and the Taliban have drafted a joint plan for the return of Afghan migrants from Iran, emphasizing that the process would be implemented “gradually and with dignity.”
Speaking on Monday following his recent visit to Kabul, Araghchi said that during meetings with Taliban officials, both sides agreed on the need to address the presence of undocumented Afghan nationals in Iran and to coordinate their return.
“We are negotiating with the Taliban to ensure that this return is conducted in a principled and organized manner,” Araghchi said. “A joint plan for the gradual and dignified departure of Afghan migrants from Iran has been prepared and will be implemented accordingly.”
He added that the Taliban would need to ensure the necessary infrastructure and support systems are in place to accommodate returning migrants.
The statement comes amid growing reports of intensified crackdowns on undocumented Afghan migrants in Iran. Over the weekend, Iranian media reported that police raided a residential building in the city of Qom, detaining 21 undocumented Afghans and transferring them to a migrant detention center.
Authorities accused the individuals of “disturbing public order” and said the operation followed complaints about their illegal presence in the area.
Tensions have risen in recent months, with migrants reporting increased pressure across several Iranian cities. In some cases, Afghan nationals have reportedly been barred from employment, and landlords have refused to rent housing to them.
The human rights organization Hengaw issued a statement in August 2024 warning of a rise in what it described as “state-sponsored and societal racism” against Afghans in Iran.
“A wave of anti-Afghan racism, both at the governmental and societal levels, is observable in Iran,” the group said, adding that the combination of deportations, discrimination, and exclusion from public services is creating a growing humanitarian concern.
Human rights advocates have called on both Iranian and Taliban authorities to uphold protections for migrants and ensure their treatment aligns with international law and humanitarian standards.
