Iran issued an announcement requiring Afghan nationals living undocumented to leave by July 6, or face arrest and forced migration. This decree affected over four million Afghans living there–many who have lived there for decades–triggering mass exodus as authorities enforce stricter enforcement following recent regional tensions.
Tens of Thousands Race to Border Crossings in Days Leading up to Deadline Tens of thousands of Afghans raced toward border crossings such as Islam Qala, prompting the UN to declare this an emergency situation. On July 1 alone, UNHCR recorded over 4300 entries into Afghanistan from this border point alone while IOM figures estimate over 250,000 returned from Iran amid deportation sweeps – these figures can be found at either rfi.fr +9 or malaymail com.
UNICEF identified an alarming demographic trend: nearly one quarter of returnees are children, which suggests entire families rather than single men are fleeing Afghanistan. Many arrived with little possessions or financial resources – placing tremendous strain on Afghanistan’s fragile infrastructure. [Thisisbeirut.com.lb, SCMP].com].
Roots of Iran’s Crackdown: Security and Public Pressure Iran issued a March decree instructing undocumented Afghan migrants living there illegally to leave by July 6 or face forced expulsion. Iranian officials claim this decision stems from “national security” concerns following recent regional unrest such as Israel-Palestine conflict and U.S. missile strikes on Iranian sites. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani noted that although Iran had welcomed Afghan immigrants in the past, maintaining security requires undocumented departures for undocumented reasons – hence her emphasised government official Fatemeh Mohajerani noted. For further reading please see: [apnewscom|+3], aljazeera.com + 3 and Trineindia.com for full story.
As reports surfaced implicating Afghans of spying for foreign forces and colluding with hostile elements, reports surfaced alleging mass arrests and expulsions resulting from these accusations, and arrest rates suddenly skyrocketed from roughly 2,000 daily arrests to over 30,000–causing alarm among human rights activists. +3 These events led to increased activity between government-related sources such as TribuneIndia.com +3, Reuter’s +3 AND Aljazeera +3.
Afghanistan Struggles to Accommodate Returnees Afghanistan’s infrastructure, already fragile due to decades of war and limited foreign aid, is suffering under an influx of returnees. UN agencies report only 18% of their 2025 humanitarian aid plan has been funded; leaving gaps in shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene coverage; clinics schools or employment opportunities nearly non-existent for returnees.
One returnee highlighted the stark choice many face, telling AFP it would be preferable for them to “beg at home rather than staying where we’re treated like this”. malaymail.com + 3 ThisisBeirut +3 Arabnews+ 3
Humanitarian Concerns and International Outrage
A number of humanitarian groups–UNHCR, IOM and UNICEF in particular–have expressed grave concern that mass repatriation could destabilize Afghanistan further. Forced returns may violate human rights; thus they urge Iran to reconsider or postpone enforcement. Reports that children were being detained for minor offenses such as buying bread have further alarmed observers.
Pakistan recently implemented measures which have forced over one million Afghans out of Pakistan and Iran combined, further exacerbating an already serious refugee crisis in South Asia. Al Jazeera reported: This coordinated pressure across borders may only worsen regional refugee issues further. For more information please see Aljazeera, AAP News and Arabnews, which all provide updates.
Outlook: Afghanistan Unravels
With July 6 marking the deadline’s conclusion, Iran announced enforcement is now under way. Since over 700,000 Afghans returned this year alone – potentially millions more may return – Afghan authorities, UN agencies, and NGOs are calling urgently for international assistance to support safe, dignified returns as well as basic services amid this unfolding crisis.
Bottom Line: Iran’s July 6 ultimatum is upending Afghan diaspora communities and placing strain on an already fragile Afghan state, taking an enormous human toll and prompting many countries to pledge sustained global support in its aftermath. Without such assistance, long-term costs could reshape regional stability altogether.: