Hundreds of thousands of Afghans leave Iran due to deportations and arrests
Iran has expelled more than 800,000 Afghans since the beginning of the year, including visa holders, triggering a humanitarian crisis and concern from international organizations.
Photo: luzitanija / AdobeStock
IRAN — Since the beginning of the year, more than 800,000 Afghan migrants have been forced to leave Iran, including 256,000 in June alone, according to Radio Free Europe citing the International Organization for Migration.
The mass departure follows an order by Iranian authorities requiring over four million undocumented Afghans to leave the country by July 6.
In the wake of the recent conflict between Iran and Israel, arrests of Afghans on espionage charges have increased.
According to the United Nations, hundreds of people, including members of religious and ethnic minorities, have been detained and subjected to mistreatment. The arrests and deportations have affected even those with valid documentation.
International organizations warn of a lack of resources and an inability to assist the majority of returnees.
Many are arriving at the Islam Qala border crossing in a state of extreme exhaustion, without means of survival, and in urgent need of food, medical care, and shelter.
Earlier, Donald Trump stated that Iran and Israel have agreed to end nearly two weeks of fighting and have reached a ceasefire agreement.