Deportations Continue: Iran Cracking Down on Foreigners Post-Ceasefire with Israel, Affecting Afghan Residents
Foreign nationals in Iran without valid residence permits face potential deportation.
In a move that casts a shadow of uncertainty over millions, Iran plans to expel foreigners without valid residence permits following the ceasefire with Israel. This includes a significant number of Afghans who call Iran home, many of whom reside illegally. According to the Mehr news agency, a senior border police official confirmed the move [1].
The Iranian metropolises are home to countless Afghans, working primarily in low-wage jobs such as small markets or construction sites [2]. In recent times, Iran's security forces have accused Afghans of covert operations and sabotage, amping up tension between the two nations [2].
Reports indicate that Iran had intended to deport up to 2 million foreigners lacking residence permits by the end of March 2025. Although initially announced before the war, this policy seems to be unyielding, despite the diplomatic resolution with Israel [2].
The volatile Israel-Iran conflict has been followed by a temporary ceasefire [3-5]. However, the situation remains tense, with Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei claiming victory over Israel and vowing continued resistance, despite the truce [3]. Concurrently, Iranian authorities have intensified internal security measures, resulting in the arrest of over 700 individuals believed to have ties with Israel, along with the execution of three alleged spies [3][5].
This ongoing deportation campaign poses a substantial risk for Afghans living in Iran. Given the fractious political climate and persistent conflict, their existence in Iran becomes increasingly precarious [1]. The potential deportations could reach millions, demonstrating Iran's ambitious efforts to slim down its undocumented foreign population, primarily Afghan refugees, amid broader geopolitical and domestic security concerns [1].
[1] ntv.de, dpa[2] Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, E-Mail, Print, Copy Link[3] Middle East Monitor[4] Al Jazeera[5] Reuters
- The community policy in Iran, aimed at expelling foreigners without valid residence permits, could potentially threaten the vocational training and opportunities of many Afghans residing illegally, as they primarily work in low-wage jobs.
- Amidst the political landscape following the war-and-conflicts between Israel and Iran, the vocational training of Afghans living in Iran may be further impacted due to the intensification of internal security measures, leading to arrests and executions of individuals perceived as having ties with Israel.
- General news outlets have reported that, despite the temporary ceasefire between Israel and Iran, migration patterns could be significantly altered by the ongoing tensions, with crime-and-justice implications for Afghans potentially facing deportation from Iran.
