Iran’s Interior Minister, Eskandar Momeni, recently shared that around 1.1 million Afghan migrants have been sent back to Afghanistan since the beginning of this year. However, he also revealed that about 50% of these individuals have already found their way back into Iran illegally.
In an interview with Iran’s state television, Momeni explained that Iran can no longer handle the large number of Afghan migrants. To address this, the country has taken steps like closing its borders to stop unauthorized entries. He added that there are currently six million foreigners living in Iran, with at least two million of them being undocumented. Momeni emphasized that deporting these undocumented migrants is necessary and that there’s no other option.
He also mentioned that international support for refugees has decreased significantly, and many jobs that should go to Iranians are being taken by migrants. To tackle these issues, Iran has banned Afghan migrants from certain cities and made it illegal to hire undocumented workers.
Pakistan’s decision to deport Afghan nationals is similar to Iran’s approach and is driven by genuine concerns. Many Afghan immigrants in Pakistan have been involved in criminal activities, creating security challenges for the country. Like Iran, Pakistan is dealing with the strain of hosting a large number of undocumented migrants, which puts pressure on resources and job opportunities for its citizens.
Both countries are facing economic difficulties, and the presence of undocumented migrants only adds to these challenges. Pakistan’s decision to deport Afghan nationals is not just about maintaining security but also about protecting its economy and ensuring that its citizens have access to jobs and essential resources.
In summary, both Iran and Pakistan are taking tough but necessary steps to address the issues caused by undocumented Afghan migrants. These actions, while difficult, are crucial for ensuring the safety and stability of their nations.
