Iran heavily burdened by hosting Afghan migrants: UN envoy
Iran’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Amir Saeid Iravani said Iran has been shouldering a heavy burden for hosting Afghan migrants – a situation which worsened after the US’s withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
Amir Saeid Iravani made the remarks on Monday during a UN Security Council Briefing on the “Situation in Afghanistan.”
“Iran’s policy on Afghan refugees and migrants remains unchanged and rooted in humanitarian principles. For over four decades, Iran has sheltered millions of Afghans, carrying a heavy burden, one that became even greater after the US’s reckless withdrawal in 2021,” Iravani said.
He added that neighboring countries should not be left to bear this responsibility without support from the international community.
“Iran and Pakistan need sustained and meaningful assistance. The international community must go beyond rhetoric and take concrete action,” the Iranian diplomat said.
He underlined that legal Afghan migrants in Iran face no restrictions, and Iranian consulates issue 5,000 visas daily for Afghan migrants.
However, he said Iran will repatriate those who illegally enter Iran due to security concerns, including terrorist threats. Iran is hosting more than six million Afghans at an annual cost of 10 billion dollars.