As public protests in Iran enter their eighth day, the High Commission for Addressing Migrant Issues has called on Afghan migrants in neighboring countries, especially Iran, to refrain from getting involved in political matters or participating in the demonstrations.
A spokesperson for the commission emphasized that Afghan migrants must respect the laws of the countries they reside in, not only in Iran but in all other host nations.
Ahmadullah Wasiq stated: “They should live in accordance with the existing laws of the host countries and must absolutely avoid getting involved in political issues or matters concerning those countries.”
According to the commission, the forced deportation of Afghan migrants from Iran and Pakistan is still ongoing.
The spokesperson called on international organizations to pressure host countries to halt forced deportations and instead create conditions for the voluntary return of migrants.
Wasiq added: “We urge organizations working in the field of migration to press both countries to stop forced deportations and to ensure that returns are carried out based on a structured process.”
While there have been no reports of Afghan migrants participating in the current protests in Iran, in the past, some Afghan migrants in Pakistan were reportedly arrested and mistreated on accusations of involvement in protests.
Jamal Muslim, a migrant rights activist, stated: “International organizations and humanitarian agencies must work with the host countries and Afghan authorities to ensure the protection of these citizens and facilitate their voluntary return.”
Pakistan and Iran are the two largest host countries for Afghan migrants. According to available statistics, over four million Afghan migrants have been deported from these two countries so far.
