RASC News Agency: Iran’s Minister of Interior, Ahmad Vahidi, responded to reports of a ban on Afghanistani nationals in 16 provinces, clarifying that this restriction is not novel and pertains to specific regions where Afghanistani nationals are not permitted. Vahidi underscored that this ban aligns with prior measures and should be viewed as a continuity rather than a fresh development.
Hamzeh Soleimani, the Director General of Foreign Nationals and Immigrant Affairs in Kermanshah Governorate, affirmed the prohibition of Afghanistani nationals in 16 provinces, including Kermanshah. He indicated that this decision was made following directives from the Supreme National Security Council.
In conjunction with the ban, Iran’s interior minister announced intentions to issue identification cards to Afghanistani immigrants residing in the country. He also noted that those who entered illegally would be repatriated to Afghanistan. Additionally, a card labeled “Unique” will be distributed in collaboration with the Taliban group to identify Afghanistani immigrants. While specific details on the count of legal and illegal immigrants are lacking, estimates suggest approximately five million Afghanistani asylum seekers currently reside in Iran.
Despite escalating forced deportations of Afghanistani asylum seekers from neighboring nations, notably Iran and Pakistan, thousands continue to be repatriated to Afghanistan daily. This underscores the persistent challenges faced by Afghanistani asylum seekers in the region.
