More Than 400,000 Undocumented Afghan Nationals Deported from Iran

Host countries have intensified action against Afghan nationals residing illegally within their territories, while the large-scale return of Afghan citizens from Iran continues.

According to the latest report issued by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Iran has deported more than 439,000 undocumented Afghan nationals so far this year. The report said that 86 percent of those deported were Afghans who had been living in Iran without legal documentation and were not officially registered.

According to UNHCR, the sudden return of such a large number of undocumented migrants has placed severe pressure on housing, employment and basic services in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, hundreds of Afghan youths seeking a better future through illegal and dangerous routes to Iran have reportedly lost their lives along the way.

Defence and economic experts say that Afghanistan has become increasingly isolated internationally due to the Taliban government’s hardline policies and alleged disregard for international laws, with ordinary citizens bearing the direct consequences.

According to the experts, host countries are now increasingly unwilling to compromise on matters concerning national security threats and illegal migration.