Undocumented migrants in Iran, mainly from Afghanistan, must leave the country by March 20, which is the end of the current Persian calendar year. This deadline was announced by Brigadier General Ahmadreza Radan, the head of the Iranian police. General Radan confirmed Iran’s strong commitment to repatriating illegal migrants during a recent statement.
The announcement came during a ceremony for the Arbaeen walk, a significant pilgrimage to the holy shrine of Hussain ibn Ali in Karbala, Iraq. At the same event, General Radan also mentioned that Iran will not allow foreign pilgrims to cross its borders into Iraq for the Arbaeen walk.
It is estimated that there are over 8 million undocumented Afghan migrants currently living in Iran. Many of these individuals sought refuge in Iran to escape ongoing conflict, poverty, and Taliban rule in Afghanistan. The situation for these refugees became more urgent after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021.
The sharp increase in refugees has caused growing concerns about security and social stability in Iran. As a result, there have been rising calls from Iranians on social media for the government to expel Afghan migrants. This public outcry reflects the increasing tension and frustration among some segments of the population.
General Radan’s announcement highlights the Iranian government’s effort to address these concerns and manage the large number of undocumented migrants. The deadline gives these individuals a clear timeframe to make arrangements for their return.
The impact of this policy on both the migrants and the local communities in Iran remains to be seen. The government’s decision will likely have significant implications for many people who have been living in Iran under difficult conditions.
The situation shows the broader challenges faced by countries dealing with large numbers of undocumented migrants. It also raises questions about how to balance humanitarian concerns with national security and social stability.