KABUL (SW) – Iranian authorities in the Sistan and Baluchestan province and the Chabahar district have announced a ban on all rental agreements for residential and commercial properties with foreign nationals as part of a broader set of restrictions impacting Afghan migrants in Iran.
Recent months have seen a noticeable rise in restrictions and mistreatment towards Afghan migrants.
Azizullah Wali Zada, who has been living in Iran for the past four months, describes the worsening situation: “Recently, there have been prohibitions on registration papers and SIM cards. The challenges and difficulties faced by migrants have increased significantly, with both police and local residents imposing more restrictions. Life for Afghans here has become very hard, and we are struggling to find or go to work.”
Some other Afghan migrants, also report heightened hostility and increased deportations. Anoush, one of these migrants, said: “I am currently living in Iran illegally. I have been here for three years, and the problems for us and other migrants have intensified. There is a severe crackdown, and those who are undocumented are being forcibly expelled.”
Kamal added: “Economic pressures are immense. I live here with my four children, and we don’t have legal documents, which adds to our stress.”
Experts on migration issues suggest that these restrictions and the mistreatment of Afghan migrants are part of Iran’s internal policies. However, these measures create significant economic difficulties for the Afghans residing in Iran.
Ali Reza Karimi, a migration expert, explains: “The restrictions on Afghan migrants’ access to urban services are part of Iran’s internal migration policies. While Iran has the right to enforce immigration laws, these restrictions can lead to serious livelihood, educational, and health issues for migrants.”
Fazl Mohammad Haqqani, the Acting Ambassador of Afghanistan in Tehran, confirms that the embassy has formally communicated these issues to Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and has discussed them with relevant officials.
According to data from Iran’s Statistical Center for the solar year 1402 (2023), over 97% of migrants in Iran are Afghan.
Previously, Iran’s Interior Minister had announced plans to expel all undocumented Afghan migrants from the country by the end of 1403 (2024).
