A senior Iranian government official announced new employment restrictions for Afghan migrants in Isfahan province. According to these restrictions, foreign nationals in Isfahan may only work in labor-intensive jobs and are prohibited from working in grocery stores and greenhouses. The official emphasized that foreign nationals in Isfahan must possess a residency card and work permit to engage in these labor-intensive roles. These restrictions have sparked strong reactions from human rights activists and Afghan migrants in Iran. The head of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) criticized Iran’s approach as insulting and unjust, warning that its continuation would foster hatred, disgust, and undermine regional relations, solidarity, and security. Some Afghan migrants in Iran are actively calling for the removal of these restrictions.
Khalil Begi, an Afghan worker who migrated to Iran approximately 15 years ago, responded to the ban on foreign nationals working in grocery stores and greenhouses by stating to Hasht-e Subh Daily that this country is actively seeking excuses to expel migrants. He asserts, “The Iranian government imposes new restrictions against migrants every day and has made life extremely difficult for us. They are constantly seeking any opportunity to expel migrants.” Khalil further emphasizes, “Currently, migrants in Iran perform more demanding jobs than in any other country, and our working hours are also longer compared to anywhere else in the world.”
Mustafa, another Afghan migrant in Iran, criticizes the decision to ban foreign nationals from working in greenhouses, factories, and food production stores, considering it unfair. He urges the removal of strict restrictions imposed on Afghan migrants and questions the logic behind the Iranian government’s prohibition on working in grocery stores, asking why this restriction was not enforced for the past 40 years. Mustafa emphatically states, “Put an end to this injustice. Iran receives millions of dollars annually from the United Nations in the name of migrants, and in return, they allow us to work. No Iranian would undertake the arduous labor that migrants perform in this country.”
During a session on Sunday, May 14, discussing the presence of Afghan nationals in Iran, Mahdi Naderi, the Director-General of Foreign Nationals and Migrants for the province of Isfahan, made a statement. He declared, “We strictly prohibit foreign nationals from working in food production centers, and we will take strong measures against violators.” Additionally, he clarified that foreign nationals should only be employed in labor-intensive jobs, not in food-related establishments like greenhouses, stores, and trades. Naderi emphasized the importance of reporting any non-Iranian worker involved in such employment to the police, urging law enforcement agents to take appropriate action.
Mahdi Naderi stressed that foreign nationals in Iran must possess a residency card and work permit to engage in labor-intensive jobs. He declared the sale of property to foreign nationals as illegal and raised concerns about bachelor accommodations, emphasizing the need for supervision. The session highlighted the importance of foreign nationals upholding “Islamic and revolutionary values” and obtaining permission for their religious ceremonies.
Naeem Nazari, the head of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC), criticizes the Director-General of Foreign Nationals and Migrants for the province of Isfahan, deeming his statements insulting and unjust. In an interview with the Hasht-e Subh Daily, he warns that these policies, if continued, will foster hatred, disgust, and weaken relations, solidarity, and security in the region. Mr. Nazari further expresses disappointment, stating that the Islamic Republic of Iran’s approaches towards migrants have been strict, discriminatory, and insulting, contradicting accepted human rights values and standards.
Naeem Nazari further states, “Afghan migrants and refugees sought refuge in Iran, a neighboring country with shared language and culture, due to hardships and necessities in their own country. However, the Iranian government has consistently practiced discrimination and exploited migrants, particularly Afghan migrants, taking advantage of their vulnerabilities. This has led to injustice, oppression, and violation of the human rights of defenseless and vulnerable Afghan citizens.”
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports that before the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, Iran hosted 3.4 million Afghan migrants, with nearly two million entering the country illegally and lacking valid documents. However, following the collapse of the Afghan Republic regime, hundreds of thousands of Afghan migrants have sought refuge in Iran, as confirmed by the organization.
The Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) previously reported that over one million migrants have migrated from Afghanistan to Iran in response to the Taliban’s takeover. Additionally, thousands of migrants continue to enter Iran daily for work and seek asylum in European countries.
Despite four decades of the presence of millions of Afghan citizens in Iran, they continue to face significant challenges. These challenges include deportation, limited access to education, strict visa extension policies, restrictions on purchasing SIM cards and accessing the internet, and difficulties in opening bank accounts. The Afghan migrants in Iran have repeatedly raised their concerns to the Iranian government, but unfortunately, no meaningful solutions have been provided thus far.
