TEHRAN – Home Minister Escandar Momeni has announced that over 1.2 million Afghan nationals (mostly undocumented immigrants) have left Iran in the past year, with the most number of departures recorded at the border of the eastern Kholasan Razabi province.
He said the government is currently preparing for the progressive deportation of more than two million undocumented Afghans who have illegally entered the country.
During a visit to Mashhad on Monday, Momeni stressed that Iran distinguishes between registered residents and those without legal documents. “We currently have over 6 million Afghan citizens living in Iran. Our priority is to regulate the existence of undocumented immigrants. The return process is carried out with full respect for human dignity and the honor of our Afghan neighbors,” he said.
The minister explained that the Home Office has placed border control and immigration regulations as its top priorities. “The most departures in the nation occur through the boundaries of Khorasan Razavi. Last year, more than 1.2 million people crossed this route, of which over 70% were identified and registered,” he said.
Momeni added that effective border control requires both national mobilization and international cooperation. “Moving is a global issue not just Iran. We are based on the experience of other countries to improve our policies,” he pointed out.
He also emphasized that visits to Mashhad include a review of the conditions of pilgrims. “The Ministry of Interior has a programme to ensure affordable, safe and smooth trips for pilgrims to the Holy City, so they can make a safe and fulfilling pilgrimage,” he said.
Momeni concluded by emphasizing that all relevant institutions play a role in achieving these goals. “We are confident that through national cooperation we will continue to provide security and services to pilgrims while responsibly managing the existence of undocumented immigrants,” he said.