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One million illegal Afghan nationals repatriated to Afghanistan, minister says
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting, Momeni said that approximately six million Afghan nationals are present in Iran, of which around two million are illegal and must leave Iran.
Many of them seek better economic opportunities or have fled conflict in their home country, especially since the 2021 takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban.
The country is four years into a fragile recovery from decades of war under Taliban authorities, who have called for a "dignified" return of migrants and refugees from neighboring countries.
As of today, one million Afghans have returned to their country, Momeni said, adding that more than 70 percent of them voluntarily returned to Afghanistan.
The Iranian interior minister pointed out Iran does not have the capacity to take in more migrants.
"Many of them (Afghan nationals) are living in Iran legally, working, and have settled down, which we respect them. However, every country has its own laws. Those who are undocumented must go back."
Since June, Iran has begun a plan to repatriate illegal Afghan migrants to their country.
Taliban’s caretaker foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, on Sunday called for gradual repatriation of Afghan nationals from Iran.
He made the remarks during a phone conversation with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
The Afghan official expressed concern about the process of return of Afghan nationals, urging that their dignity should be respected.