Tehran (Agencies): In a significant move, Iran has announced plans to deport two million Afghan migrants over the next six months. This decision, confirmed by Ahmad-Reza Radan, head of Iran’s national police, marks one of the largest expulsion programs in recent history.
The expulsion comes amid economic challenges and increasing pressure on Iran’s resources. The country has been grappling with an economic crisis driven by Western sanctions and internal mismanagement. The presence of a large number of Afghan migrants, many of whom fled to Iran following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, has further strained the nation’s resources.
Reports indicate that Iranian authorities have already begun detaining and deporting Afghan migrants, with some instances of violent treatment. Videos have surfaced showing harsh measures being taken against migrants, including a widely circulated video of an Afghan teenager being arrested and mistreated by police.
The United Nations estimates that around 4.5 million Afghans currently reside in Iran, with many having fled their home country due to ongoing conflict and economic instability. The deportation program is expected to significantly impact these individuals, many of whom fear returning to a country still facing severe humanitarian crises.
This move by Iran follows a similar crackdown by Pakistan, which has also deported hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees in recent months. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with concerns about the treatment of migrants and the humanitarian implications of such large-scale deportations.