Press Release: Increasing Forced Returns of Afghans from Iran Amid Tightened Immigration Policies
As Iran intensifies its immigration controls, thousands of Afghans are being forcibly returned to their homeland, raising concerns about the future of those affected. For decades, many Afghans have fled to Iran seeking refuge from the ravages of war and poverty. Traditionally, Tehran has been accommodating towards this community; however, recent shifts in public sentiment have led to increased resentment towards foreign nationals.
The Iranian government is now actively expelling undocumented immigrants, leaving many vulnerable and with no option but to return to Afghanistan, a country still grappling with significant humanitarian crises under Taliban rule. While the Taliban has expressed support for returning citizens, questions remain about the living conditions and safety they will face upon their return.
This urgent situation was discussed on a recent program featuring guests such as Arafat Jamal, the UNHCR Afghanistan representative, Orzala Nemat, a women’s rights activist, and Hassan Ahmadian, an assistant professor at the University of Tehran. They highlighted not only the immediate challenges facing returnees but also the broader implications for regional stability and humanitarian efforts.
The international community is urged to address this ongoing crisis. While the Taliban’s stance may appear welcoming, the reality on the ground raises substantial concerns about the safety, economic opportunities, and rights of returning Afghans. As the situation unfolds, there is a pressing need for global engagement to ensure that returning individuals are adequately supported and that their rights are upheld.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
