RASC News Agency: Alireza Beygdeli, head of the Iranian diplomatic mission in Kabul, emphasized the crucial role Afghanistani migrants play in Iran’s economic development during his visit to Herat, where he followed up on joint projects between Afghanistan and Iran. Beygdeli highlighted the deep and extensive cultural and economic ties between the two nations, asserting that Afghanistani migrants, particularly in various sectors of Iran’s economy, are of great significance. He likened these relations to a raging river that has flowed throughout history, stressing the importance of removing existing barriers to maintain its course. He also underscored that these collaborations are not only based on shared interests but also rooted in the shared history and culture of both peoples, making their continuation essential for preserving and expanding this cultural heritage.
Iran stands as one of the largest hosts of Afghanistani migrants. According to United Nations statistics, Iran is home to nearly four million Afghanistani migrants. This substantial presence has not only had cultural impacts but also plays a significant economic role for Iran. Many Afghanistani migrants contribute across various sectors, notably in construction, agriculture, and services. However, in recent years, Iran’s immigration policies have faced several challenges. On one hand, Iran is grappling with the economic and social issues arising from the large influx of migrants. On the other, policies to repatriate Afghanistani migrants are also being pursued. Eskandar Momeni, Iran’s deputy interior minister, previously stated that repatriating Afghanistani migrants is one of the key priorities in Iran’s immigration policies. While these policies aim to regulate the status of migrants in Iran, they may also influence the economic and cultural relations between the two countries.
Given this situation, while Iran continues to host a significant number of Afghanistani migrants, there is a growing need for more precise planning to manage this issue and ensure sustainable relations between the two countries. Continued economic and cultural cooperation between Afghanistan and Iran could play a key role in achieving this goal.
