KABUL, JUN 29: Amid a surge in the deportation of Afghan migrants from Iran, Abdul Salam Hanafi, administrative deputy of the prime minister’s office, called on the Iranian government to treat Afghan migrants with dignity and in accordance with Islamic principles.
During a visit to the Islam Qala border in Herat, Hanafi pledged that the belongings and property left behind by Afghan migrants in Iran would be returned to the country.
He stated, “Islamic and neighborly obligations require Iran to behave in an Islamic manner toward migrants. There should be no oppression, and no rights should be violated. These responsibilities must be respected.”
He further pledged that no Afghan citizen’s rights would be violated in Iran and added, “The problems our compatriots face in Iran, including property and belongings left behind, will be discussed with Iranian officials. We are working to ensure that neither the rights of any Afghan are denied nor their possessions left behind.”
Meanwhile, officials from the caretaker government said all necessary preparations had been made at the Islam Qala border to receive returning migrants and provide them with various services.
Shahabuddin Delawar, acting head of the Afghan Red Crescent, said, “Emergency services, including food and water, have been provided to the migrants. Emergency health camps have also been set up for men and women. Once identities are verified, vehicles are ready to transport the migrants to their respective provinces. Preparations for their permanent resettlement in the provinces are also underway.”
Some deported migrants have complained about violent behavior by Iranian police. According to them, the police confiscated all their money and sent them back empty-handed.
Fareed Ahmad, one of the deportees, said, “I was a migrant in Iran for four and a half years. My request of the government is to create job opportunities so that no Afghan youth remains displaced and dependent on foreigners, and so they can contribute to rebuilding their own country.”
Another deportee, Mohammad Reza, said, “They extort money along the way, insult and humiliate us. I urge the government to provide employment opportunities for the people.”
In recent days, the deportation and return of Afghan migrants from Iran has sharply increased. According to reports, up to 30,000 people are entering the country daily through the Islam Qala border alone.
