Iran deports over 700,000 Afghan migrants in the past month, prompting Kabul to call for better coordination in the repatriation process. The mass deportation, one of the largest in recent years, has raised concerns about the treatment of Afghan returnees, with reports of mistreatment and health issues among deportees. Many returnees, including those with illnesses like tuberculosis and skin diseases, were transported across the border without adequate support, exacerbating their vulnerabilities.
Details of 700,000 Afghans, Iran Deports
Kabul’s Commission for Refugee Affairs has criticized Iran’s approach, emphasizing the need for humane treatment and coordinated efforts to manage the return of Afghan migrants. The commission highlighted that some deportees faced harsh conditions in Iranian camps, with limited access to food, water, or medical care during their journey. Afghan authorities have also expressed readiness to accommodate refugees in case of regional conflicts, urging Iran to adopt a more collaborative stance.
Posts on X reflect growing alarm over the scale of the deportations, with estimates suggesting Iran aims to expel up to 4 million undocumented Afghans, citing security and economic concerns. Some deportees, including women and children, reported harassment and confiscation of personal belongings by Iranian authorities. Kabul has appealed to international organizations to provide humanitarian aid to support returnees, many of whom face unemployment and lack of shelter upon arrival.
What’s Next
The deportations strain Afghanistan’s already fragile infrastructure, with local officials calling for job creation and housing solutions to reintegrate returnees. This situation underscores the broader challenges of migration and regional cooperation in South Asia, as Afghanistan grapples with economic instability and the reintegration of its citizens.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 27th, 2025
Follow SouthAsianDesk on X, Instagram, and Facebook for insights on business and current affairs from across South Asia.
