TEHRAN— Iran’s Ministry of Interior has announced that six categories of Afghan migrants holding census registration documents will be permitted to stay legally in the country under a new directive aimed at regulating their status.
Nader YarAhmadi, director general of the Bureau for Aliens and Foreign Immigrants Affairs, said the decision followed thorough assessments and was part of broader efforts to formalize the presence of Afghan migrants in Iran.
“All Afghan nationals with census registration documents must comply with the ministry’s policies and programs to continue their stay,” YarAhmadi told ISNA news agency.
He warned that, starting from March 20, undocumented Afghan migrants will be denied access to healthcare, housing, and other essential services.
Who is eligible?
According to the directive, the following six groups of Afghan migrants will be allowed to remain in Iran legally:
Couples where one spouse holds an Amayesh card (Iran’s refugee ID system) and the other has census registration documents.
Families in which the head of the household has an Amayesh card while their spouse and children have census registration documents.
Those with expired passports and visas, who can stay legally after paying a fine and obtaining a short-term exit visa, allowing them to re-enter with a new visa.
Afghan nationals with work permits or job identification documents who can complete their legal paperwork within the given timeframe.
Former Afghan government employees, including military personnel and civil servants from the previous administration, whose cases will be referred to international organizations for further processing.
Afghans who left their country and obtained valid passports, allowing them to meet Iran’s legal residency requirements.
Additionally, families with school-aged children who do not fall under these categories may apply for a three-month exit permit between March 5 and March 19.
YarAhmadi emphasized that, starting next month, only those meeting the new criteria will have access to education, healthcare, and other public services, while undocumented migrants will be excluded from such benefits.
