Afghan Migrants and Refugees Forced to Flee Iran: A Growing Crisis
In a deeply troubling development affecting thousands, over 1.5 million Afghan refugees and migrants have been compelled to return to Afghanistan from Iran in just the first half of this year. According to the UN’s International Organization for Migration, this mass exodus, brought about by increasing pressures and hostilities, may soon escalate even further, with estimates suggesting that more than a million additional individuals could be forced to leave by the year’s end.
The roots of this crisis can be traced back to escalating tensions within the region. The situation deteriorated significantly in June after a brief but fierce conflict between Iran and Israel. Following this violent episode, many Afghan migrants found themselves in a precarious situation, facing not only the challenges of integrating into Iranian society but also rising hostility and discrimination.
The plight of these Afghan individuals is compounded by the economic struggles and humanitarian crises facing both Iran and Afghanistan. Aid organizations have been sounding alarms, emphasizing the dire consequences of this forced migration, including the potential for increased poverty and instability in Afghanistan as returnees find themselves in a country that is still grappling with the aftermath of decades of conflict.
In a recent interview, Dr. Khadija Abbasi, a Teaching Fellow in the Department of Development Studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, offered insights into the precarious realities faced by these returnees. She discussed not only the immediate impact on their lives but also the long-term implications for both Iran and Afghanistan as they navigate the complexities of migration, integration, and conflict.
As the situation unfolds, the international community is urged to re-evaluate its approach to supporting both Afghan migrants in Iran and the returnees facing an uncertain future in their homeland. The humanitarian costs of inaction could be immense, as over a million lives hang in the balance.
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Video “Why are Afghan migrants and refugees being forced to flee Iran? | DW News” was uploaded on 08/02/2025 to Youtube Channel DW News