Iranian authorities have closed a well-known café in Tehran, owned by an Afghan migrant, due to alleged violations involving undocumented workers and improper licensing. The café, known as “Kabul Café,” was a popular spot in the city and a gathering place for Afghan migrants.
According to the Tasnim News Agency, officials claimed the café had employed “undocumented foreign nationals” and served as a meeting point for Afghan migrants without legal residency documents. This action is part of a broader crackdown on Afghan migrants in Iran, as the government intensifies efforts to deport individuals lacking proper documentation.
Iranian authorities have warned employers about severe consequences for hiring undocumented workers. This reflects the government’s tightening policies aimed at managing the increasing number of Afghan migrants and refugees in the country.
In a related move, Abolfazl Abutorabi, a member of Iran’s Parliament Commission on Councils and Internal Affairs, announced plans for a new identification and banking card for migrants. This card will combine personal identification and financial details into one electronic platform.
“The card will serve two purposes,” Abutorabi explained. “One side will function as a banking card, while the other will display the migrant’s identification details, including a 10-digit residency code.”
Iran has been hosting millions of Afghan refugees and migrants, with numbers rising sharply after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021. However, the Iranian government is now tightening its measures, making life more difficult for migrants and those who support them.
What does this mean for Afghan migrants? The closure of the café and the introduction of stricter controls show a clear shift in Iran’s approach to managing its migrant population. This has left many Afghan migrants uncertain about their future in the country.
As Iran continues to enforce stricter policies, Afghan migrants face growing challenges in finding work, securing shelter, and maintaining their livelihoods. The situation highlights the need for a more humane and balanced approach to addressing the challenges of migration.