Iran has commenced a mass expulsion of Afghan migrants, sending over 1.5 million back to Afghanistan since January 2023, amidst rising tensions and unfounded allegations of espionage against them. Interviews reveal harrowing experiences of detainees like Ali Ahmad, who reported severe mistreatment by Iranian authorities, including physical abuse and derogatory accusations of spying for Israel.
The backdrop of these deportations escalated following a brief conflict between Iran and Israel, which enhanced scrutiny of Afghan nationals, who are often labeled potential spies in Iranian media reports. Amidst a growing atmosphere of fear, Afghans have faced increasing hostility, with accusations that contribute to a broader anti-Afghan sentiment in the country. Experts suggest these claims may serve as scapegoating for Iran’s internal security failures amid its struggles against Israel.
The Iranian government has reportedly increased the pressure on undocumented Afghans, providing them with a deadline for voluntary departure earlier this year. The United Nations noted a peak of daily returns at around 50,000 individuals, often amid odious conditions. Compounding the crisis, Iranian police have been accused of confiscating personal belongings from deported migrants, leaving them destitute upon their return.
Recent claims have circulated through social media, fueled by official narratives asserting a connection between Afghan migrants and Israeli espionage, with calls for others to report suspicious activities among the Afghan community. Despite Iranian media's pervasive and often exaggerated allegations, returning Afghans face grave dangers, as Afghanistan struggles with ongoing humanitarian crises and limited resources to accommodate the influx.
With anti-Afghan sentiment politically ingrained, experts believe the situation may worsen as Iran finds more ways to justify its expulsions. As the deportees recount their traumatic experiences, many like Abdullah Rezaee lament the destruction of their lives in Iran, leaving them to face an uncertain future back home under Taliban rule. The fallout from this crisis continues to unfold, as humanitarian advocates call for a more humane treatment of migrants.
