Iran has extended the deadline for Afghan migrants to legalize their stay or leave the country until September 6, 2025, corresponding to the 15th of Sunbula in the Solar Hijri calendar. This decision, announced by Ahmad Masoumi Far, a representative of Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Khorasan Razavi province, provides a two-month reprieve for millions of Afghan migrants facing potential arrest and deportation.
The extension follows a surge in forced deportations, with over 393,000 Afghans expelled from Iran and Pakistan in the first five months of 2025, according to the United Nations. Afghanistan’s Ministry of Economy has expressed concerns over the rapid pace of these deportations, noting the strain on the country’s infrastructure and resources. The Islamic Emirate has called for a more orderly process to manage the return of its citizens, emphasizing the need for humanitarian considerations.
Many Afghan migrants, including those with dual Iranian-Afghan citizenship, fled to Iran amid regional conflicts, particularly following the Taliban’s 2021 takeover. The extended deadline aims to allow migrants time to regularize their status, but Amnesty International has urged Iran to halt forced deportations and respect international laws protecting refugees. The situation remains complex, as Iran balances domestic pressures with its obligations as a host nation. Afghanistan’s caretaker government is engaging with regional partners to address the crisis, but the return of large numbers of migrants poses significant challenges for a country already grappling with economic and social difficulties.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 21st, 2025
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