Recent Spike in Deportations
Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, the number of Afghan refugees crossing into Iran has surged. The deteriorating humanitarian and economic situation in Afghanistan, compounded by international sanctions, halted foreign aid, and political instability, pushed tens of thousands of Afghans to seek refuge across borders, especially into Iran.
However, over the last year—and more intensely in recent weeks—the Iranian government has intensified deportations of Afghan refugees. Reports from Herat’s Islam Qala border, one of the major crossing points between the two countries, indicate that over 30,000 people are being returned to Afghanistan each day. This figure includes both voluntary returnees and forced deportees.
While some Afghans return voluntarily due to the hostile environment in Iran, the majority are deported. Iran’s tightening immigration policies, economic woes, and internal political pressures are all contributing to the increased deportation rate. In some cases, entire families are removed, while in others, male laborers—many of whom have lived in Iran for years—are sent back, often leaving behind families.