In brief
The recent wave of deportations from Iran has sent hundreds of thousands of vulnerable Afghans back to their native country, worsening conditions in Afghanistan, where poverty and instability prevail. Iranian authorities intensified their deportation campaign beginning in March, effectively targeting undocumented refugees amidst rising tensions.
Across the border, Afghans have been crossing back at rates of up to 50,000 per day, under fear of an impending deadline for expulsion set by Iranian officials. Many returnees have claimed they were forced out despite possessing valid visas, raising concerns over the humanitarian implications of such widespread removals. According to U.N. officials, the situation has escalated to a point where opposition to deportations has become nearly nonexistent, reflecting a troubling shift in Iran's approach to refugee management.
