Iran Enforces Stricter Employment Laws For Afghan Migrants, Says Interior Minister

Iran’s Interior Minister, Eskander Momeni, has announced the enforcement of stricter regulations on the employment of Afghan migrants, stating that hiring “foreign nationals” without residency permits deprives Iranian citizens of job opportunities.

He added that the Iranian Ministry of Labour is holding employers accountable for violations of these laws.

Speaking on Thursday during the inauguration of housing projects in Semnan province, Momeni revealed that approximately 1.1 million Afghan migrants have been deported from Iran since the beginning of this year, according to the Solar Hijri calendar.

Addressing concerns about the continued influx of Afghan migrants, Momeni emphasised that securing Iran’s borders remains a priority, stating, “Projects to physically and electronically secure the border are a priority to minimise their return.”

According to the United Nations, approximately 1.6 million Afghans have migrated to neighbouring countries, including Iran, following the Taliban’s return to power.

Simultaneously, both Iran and Pakistan have intensified measures against Afghan migrants. In addition to accelerating deportations, the Iranian government has imposed restrictions on their presence in certain cities and criminalised the employment of undocumented migrants.