Iran’s interior minister says Afghan nationals can enter the country legally using work, tourist or other types of visas, just like citizens of other countries.
Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni said that while “legal travel continues,” Iran remains concerned about what he called the “illegal presence” of Afghan migrants in the country.
According to Iranian media reports, Momeni made the remarks on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting, stating that Iran has no issue with the legal entry of foreign nationals, including Afghans. Iranian officials typically refer to Afghan migrants as “foreign nationals.”
His comments come as thousands of Afghans continue to leave the country, citing lack of safety, repression and limited future prospects. However, rights groups have criticized Iran’s harsh immigration policies and what they describe as discriminatory treatment of Afghan migrants, which has made access to education and basic services increasingly difficult.
Momeni also addressed concerns about the exclusion of Afghan children from Iranian schools due to lack of documentation. He said the government plans to gather accurate data on these children before making further decisions.
In recent years, thousands of undocumented Afghan children have been denied access to public education in Iran, drawing criticism from human rights organizations and the United Nations.
Advocates and UN agencies have repeatedly urged the Iranian government to ensure dignified treatment for Afghan refugees — especially women and children — and to guarantee their access to essential services, including education.
