Undocumented foreigners continue leaving Iran as authorities intensify repatriation efforts. The Ministry of Interior reported that nearly 1.45 million undocumented foreigners left Iran during the first half of the current Iranian year. The program targets Afghan nationals living in the country without legal status.
Nader Yar-Ahmadi, head of the Bureau for Aliens and Foreign Immigrants Affairs, said the government executes the repatriation process naturally and legally. He emphasized that officials plan to help a similar number of undocumented foreigners exit the country soon. Regular coordination meetings among government agencies ensure consistent migration policy implementation.
Yar-Ahmadi explained that the government actively regulates immigrant and refugee populations. Officials encourage undocumented foreigners to return home through organized programs. Authorities aim to limit foreign residents to about three percent of Iran’s total population.
The Ministry also coordinates with several service agencies to manage legal migrants more effectively. Officials developed a new framework to deliver essential services in a more organized and efficient way. The initiative prioritizes both coordination and support for legal residents.
Yar-Ahmadi said the government cancels the registration documents of undocumented foreigners during the repatriation process. Authorities design these steps to meet international standards and strengthen migration management. He stressed that Iran’s approach reflects a long-term commitment to controlling irregular migration.
He also discussed a legislative initiative under Article 85 of the Constitution. The government combines its migration management bill with a parliamentary plan. A joint working group finalizes the draft before sending it to the Guardian Council for approval. The plan strengthens Iran’s legal framework for managing foreign residents.
Yar-Ahmadi revealed that repatriation efforts reduced the total number of foreign nationals in Iran from six million to 4.5 million. He added that approximately 80,000 registered marriages exist between Iranian citizens and foreign nationals. These marriages, along with children, account for about 250,000 people.
Through ongoing coordination, organized programs, and legislative reforms, Iran actively manages undocumented foreigners. Authorities focus on controlling irregular migration while ensuring legal residents receive proper services. Officials aim to maintain a balanced, sustainable approach to immigration throughout the country.