Iran has announced new plans to make the visa process easier for Afghan citizens, as part of efforts to improve bilateral relations and reduce challenges faced by migrants. The announcement was made during a high-level meeting between Iran’s Deputy Ambassador and the Governor of Herat, where both sides discussed migration concerns, trade cooperation, and regional stability.
According to a statement from the Herat provincial government, Iran’s Deputy Ambassador, Seyed Hossein Mortazavi, met with Sheikh Mawlavi Islamjar, the Governor of Herat. The meeting focused on improving the conditions of Afghan migrants in Iran, strengthening diplomatic relations, and expanding economic and trade ties between the two neighboring countries.
Mortazavi stressed that Iran is committed to maintaining strong relations with Afghanistan and said simplifying visa issuance for Afghan citizens is now a priority for Iranian diplomatic missions. He explained that making the process faster and more transparent would help reduce pressure on migrants and prevent irregular movement across borders.
The Governor of Herat welcomed Iran’s commitment and emphasized the urgent need to address the problems faced by Afghan migrants. He called on Iranian authorities to take timely and practical steps to ensure visas are issued more easily, noting that such measures would help reduce hardship for Afghans seeking legal travel for work, trade, or family reasons.
The governor also highlighted the Taliban administration’s position on regional relations, stating that Afghanistan seeks stable and long-term cooperation with Iran. He said easing trade, transit, and cross-border movement would benefit both countries and help improve economic opportunities for citizens on both sides.
In addition to visa discussions, officials also addressed recent concerns about migrant safety at the Iran-Afghanistan border. Iran’s Consul General in Herat, Alireza Marhamati, confirmed that the case involving the deaths of several migrants at the border has been handed over to Iran’s judicial and legal authorities for investigation.
Marhamati stated that all documents related to the incident will be carefully reviewed and that a full legal process is underway to determine the facts. He assured Afghan officials that the matter is being taken seriously and that outcomes will be handled through proper legal channels.
The planned visa reforms are expected to ease legal travel for Afghan citizens and reduce reliance on dangerous migration routes. Observers say that improved cooperation between Iran and Afghanistan could play a crucial role in addressing long-standing migration pressures and enhancing regional stability.