Iran Intensifies Deportation of Afghan Migrants Amid Economic and Security Concerns

Since October 2023, Iran has significantly intensified the deportation of undocumented Afghan migrants, culminating in the expulsion of over 15,600 Afghan families in May 2025 alone—a figure more than double that of the previous month. This surge is attributed to Iran's mounting economic challenges and heightened security concerns. With a looming deadline of July 6, 2025, for all undocumented Afghans to leave the country, up to four million individuals face imminent displacement, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

Iran's aggressive deportation policy, driven by internal economic pressures and security issues, has led to a substantial increase in the forced return of Afghan migrants. This mass expulsion poses severe humanitarian challenges, as Afghanistan struggles to accommodate the influx amid limited resources and ongoing instability.

Background and Context

Iran has a long history of hosting Afghan refugees, dating back to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. Following the Taliban's return to power in August 2021, Iran experienced a significant influx of Afghan migrants. Estimates suggest that over one million Afghans sought refuge in Iran during this period, adding to the existing Afghan population in the country. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimated that by 2024, approximately 3.8 million displaced Afghans resided in Iran, making it one of the world's largest hosts of Afghan refugees.

Recent Developments

In response to mounting economic challenges and public dissatisfaction, Iranian authorities have intensified efforts to deport undocumented Afghan migrants. Between March 2024 and March 2025, Iran deported approximately 1.2 million Afghans. The government has set a target to deport at least two million undocumented migrants by the end of March 2025. In May 2025 alone, over 15,600 Afghan families were deported, more than doubling the figures from April. This surge is attributed to Iran's economic challenges and heightened security concerns. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that between January and May 2025, more than 450,000 Afghans returned from Iran, with women and children comprising a substantial portion of the returnees.

Iranian authorities have set a deadline of July 6, 2025, for all undocumented Afghans to leave the country, potentially affecting up to four million individuals. This mass deportation poses significant humanitarian challenges, as Afghanistan struggles with limited resources to support the influx of returnees.

Government Statements and Policies

Iran's Interior Minister, Eskandar Momeni, has emphasized the country's limited capacity to host additional migrants, citing economic and social pressures. He stated that undocumented migrants are occupying job opportunities and consuming substantial government subsidies. Nader Yarahmadi, head of the Centre for Foreign Nationals and Immigrants Affairs, announced the cancellation of census cards previously issued to undocumented migrants and the termination of numerous educational and healthcare services for them. He urged migrants to leave Iran voluntarily, warning that those who fail to do so may face forced deportation and will be ineligible for any future visa-related benefits.

Social and Economic Implications

The deportation drive has intensified anti-Afghan sentiment within Iran. Some Iranians and officials argue that Afghan migrants have taken many job opportunities and are benefiting from government subsidies, exacerbating economic challenges. Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni stated, "They have taken many job opportunities," addressing public concerns about foreign nationals crowding Iranians out of the job market.

The deportations have also led to humanitarian concerns. Many returnees face dire conditions upon arrival in Afghanistan, with limited access to food, shelter, and basic necessities. The UN notes that only 18% of the 2025 Afghanistan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan has been funded, jeopardizing assistance to millions.

Humanitarian Challenges in Afghanistan

Afghanistan's limited resources to support the influx of returnees pose significant challenges. The sudden return of large numbers of individuals strains the country's already fragile infrastructure and economy. Humanitarian organizations have raised concerns about the potential for increased instability and economic strain within Afghanistan as it struggles to reintegrate the returnees.

International Response and Recommendations

Child rights groups and other civil society organizations have called on the Iranian government to halt the mass deportation plan and to respect the rights of migrant children. They warn that Afghan migrants, particularly children, are facing discrimination, psychological distress, and hate speech, and now live in fear of forced expulsion. The organizations also note that since 2023, the Islamic Republic of Iran has gradually restricted educational and health services for migrants in an attempt to pressure them to leave.

Conclusion

The mass deportation of Afghan migrants by Iran underscores the complex interplay between national policies and regional humanitarian challenges. Addressing this crisis requires coordinated efforts from both regional actors and the international community to ensure the safety and well-being of displaced populations.