TEHRAN — A senior Iranian police official has described the presence of undocumented foreign nationals in Iran as a serious security concern, calling for increased intelligence coordination and stronger enforcement.
Qasem Rezaei, Iran’s deputy police commander, made the remarks during an operations commission meeting in Lorestan Province, according to a report by the state-run IRIB News Agency.
“The presence of undocumented foreign nationals in the provinces is very dangerous,” Rezaei said, urging security agencies to address the issue with “full intelligence oversight and serious determination.”
He also emphasized the role of ordinary citizens in safeguarding national security, calling on the public to support state efforts in maintaining stability.
Iranian and Pakistani officials have repeatedly emphasized their intent to expel undocumented Afghan nationals, citing security and economic pressures. Human rights groups, however, have warned that the expulsions risk violating international protections for refugees and asylum seekers.
According to the United Nations, Iran hosts the world’s largest population of Afghan refugees, many of whom fled conflict and instability over the past several decades.
