1.2 million migrants deported from Iran annually: Iranian Official

An Iranian official stated that every year, 1.2 million undocumented migrants are deported from Iran.

Nader Yarahmadi, head of the Center for Foreign Nationals and Immigrants in Iran, stated that each year, 1.2 million undocumented migrants are deported from the country. He warned undocumented migrants to leave voluntarily, or face forced deportation.

In a meeting of the Foreign Nationals Organization Committee on Thursday, November 28, Yarahmadi explained that people who have entered Iran “illegally” are being deported without facing punishment.

He described the Iranian government’s decision not to penalize these migrants as the “best help” they can offer.

Yarahmadi emphasized that individuals intending to migrate to Iran should follow the legal procedures for obtaining residence permits. He added that his department is providing assistance to undocumented migrants who wish to return “with dignity,” but warned that those who do not comply would be forcibly deported.

Ali Baqeri, Director-General for Employment of Foreign Nationals at Iran’s Ministry of Labor, shared that less than 5% of the workforce in Iran is made up of migrants.

He also mentioned that a list of job opportunities, based on provincial needs, is given to employers, allowing them to hire migrants only when Iranian workers are unavailable.

Previously, Iranian officials announced that by the end of this year, they plan to expel 2 million undocumented migrants from the country. This move comes amid increasing pressure on the Iranian government to manage its growing migrant population, particularly from neighboring Afghanistan.

The forced deportation of Afghan migrants, many of whom have fled the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan, adds to the already dire humanitarian crisis. With severe winter conditions approaching, the situation for Afghan refugees in the country becoming increasingly desperate, as many face the harsh reality of being sent back to unstable and dangerous conditions.

As the winter intensifies, the lack of shelter, food, and healthcare for deported refugees will likely lead to a greater humanitarian disaster, placing additional pressure on Afghanistan and international organizations to find sustainable solutions.

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