Iran’s parliament has taken a major step toward establishing a National Migration Organization to manage and organize the affairs of migrants and foreign nationals living in the country. During a session on Monday, November 3, members of the Islamic Consultative Assembly approved the first two articles of the proposed bill.
The main goal is to create a centralized institution that will coordinate all migration-related policies across the country. Lawmakers believe that the current system, which involves multiple agencies and ministries, has created confusion and made it difficult to plan effectively. The new organization is expected to bring all management, registration, and policy-making processes under one authority.
According to Article 1 of the bill, clear definitions are provided for different migrant categories, including legal immigrants, illegal immigrants, asylum seekers, and refugees. It also introduces official terms such as residence permits, foreign national identification numbers, guest cities for migrant housing, and reception camps for processing new arrivals. This structured approach is intended to make Iran’s migration system more transparent and easier to manage.
The decision also comes at a time when Iran hosts one of the world’s largest populations of Afghan refugees and migrants. Many arrived due to war, political instability, or economic hardship in their home country. Iranian officials have repeatedly stated the need for a more organized and sustainable system to support both migrants and national security.
Why is Iran creating this new migration organization?
The government says the new agency will help coordinate services, prevent illegal entry, and improve planning for housing, employment, and legal protection of migrants. Supporters believe it will also reduce overlaps and conflicts between different government bodies.
Under Article 2, the National Migration Organization will operate under the Ministry of Interior but will function as an independent state institution. It will also form provincial branches that work under its supervision across Iran. The head of the organization will serve as a Deputy Minister of Interior and will be appointed directly by the minister.
Funding for the organization will come from the government budget, as well as legal service fees, donations, and international support. A comprehensive data system will also be created to store identity, financial, and residency records for foreign nationals. This system will be used by public agencies when providing services to migrants.
The bill will now move forward for further review and approval, and if implemented, it could mark one of the most significant changes in Iran’s migration governance in recent years. The coming months will show how the new organization will operate and how it may impact millions of foreign nationals living in the country.