Afghanistan Peace CampaignThese migrants, who have long struggled with economic and legal challenges, are now gripped by fears over the potential consequences of this new crisis.
As tensions between Iran and Israel intensify and aerial attacks escalate, the Afghan migrant community residing in Iran report a new wave of anxiety about their situation.
These migrants, who have long struggled with economic and legal challenges, are now gripped by fears over the potential consequences of this new crisis.
Marufa, an Afghan migrant in Iran, said: “Israel’s attack on Iran has worried all migrants. We, who fled from Afghanistan to seek refuge in Iran—if war breaks out here, where will these migrants turn for safety?”
Migrant rights activists warn that continued security tensions could further increase pressure on the Afghan migrant community.
Jumakhan Pouya, a migrant rights activist, said: “We expect international organizations such as UNHCR, IOM, and other human rights institutions to stay in close contact with the Iranian government and advocate for the rights of Afghan migrants in this country—especially under current conditions.”
Political experts believe that the conflict between Iran and Israel is damaging the region, and countries like Afghanistan, which have sent a large number of migrants to Iran, must seek mechanisms to protect their citizens abroad.
Sayed Moqaddam Amin, a political analyst, said: “The negative effects of this situation on regional countries—especially Afghanistan—and ultimately on Afghan migrants, are inevitable. Therefore, government officials must reach agreements with relevant Iranian institutions to prevent Afghan citizens and migrants from being harmed.”
In recent years, pressure on Afghan migrants in Iran has increased.
Iran has repeatedly introduced plans to repatriate Afghan migrants. The latest of these includes setting a deadline for the departure of undocumented migrants by 15 Saratan 1404 in the Solar Hijri calendar.