By The Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies

TEHRAN, Iran — Iranian authorities have intensified their efforts to curb undocumented immigration, resulting in the deportation of 13,852 Afghan migrants in the past 10 days, according to reports from Iranian media.

Majid Shoja, the commander of Iran’s Khorasan Razavi border police, confirmed the figures, asserting that the country remains steadfast in its commitment to repatriate individuals without proper documentation.

In the broader context, Iranian media has reported that within the last nine months, approximately 520,000 undocumented Afghan immigrants have been expelled from the country. The surge in deportations is indicative of Iran’s determination to enforce immigration policies and maintain control over its borders.

The mass deportation follows the collapse of Afghanistan’s republic government in August 2021, triggering a significant influx of Afghan citizens into neighboring countries. Among these, Iran has been a notable destination, with nearly one million Afghans seeking refuge in the country.

United Nations statistics highlight the significant Afghan population in Iran, estimating that around 3.5 million Afghan citizens currently reside in the country, with the majority falling under the category of undocumented migrants. The situation poses complex challenges for both Iran and the Afghan migrants, especially in the aftermath of political changes in Afghanistan.

Iran’s decisive actions regarding immigration policies have sparked discussions about the humanitarian aspects of such measures. Advocacy groups emphasize the need for a balanced approach that considers the vulnerable conditions and motivations of displaced individuals while acknowledging the host country’s concerns.

As the issue unfolds, the international community closely watches Iran’s handling of the situation and its impact on the Afghan diaspora.