Iran has deported 4,767 refugees to Afghanistan via the Milk border crossing over the past two days, Tasnim News reports.
Parviz Qasimzadeh, Iran’s border commander of Zabol district, explained that the refugees were deported because they did not have legal permission to enter Iran and their travel documents had expired.
He stressed the importance of foreign nationals using the proper legal channels for entering, staying, and leaving Iran. Qasimzadeh warned that those who enter the country illegally will be handed over to the authorities and subsequently deported.
The Iranian official expressed concern about the social problems, negative consequences, and potential criminal activities that can arise from the presence of unauthorized foreign nationals. He emphasized the need to address these issues seriously and ensure effective management.
Following the Taliban’s return to power, many people from Afghanistan have migrated to Iran, legally and illegally, due to unemployment, fleeing Taliban rule, or being smuggled to European countries.
Iranian Interior Minister, Ahmad Vahidi, recently disclosed that his country currently hosts over five million immigrants from Afghanistan, and he stated that they do not pose a security challenge to Iran.
He emphasized that although any society may face security issues, intelligence agencies have not reported security concerns at this time. If any such report arises, it will be dealt with.
A recent report from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) highlighted Afghanistan’s position as one of the top three countries with the highest number of refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced individuals in 2022. The report indicated that out of the total 108.4 million displaced people, 5.7 million are from Afghanistan.
