In the latest developments in Iran’s migration policy, Morteza Mahmoudi, a member of the Internal Affairs Commission of the Iranian Parliament, announced that Afghan migrants with over 30 years of residency, along with their second and third generations, will be granted long-term residency permits under the protection of the Iranian government.
kabul 24: In an interview with Iranian media, Mahmoudi emphasized that this support applies to individuals who comply with security and ethical frameworks and have no criminal or security records.
He stated: “These individuals have become an integral part of Iran’s social and economic fabric, and our view toward them is humane, civilizational, and supportive—not security-oriented or temporary.”These remarks come as the bill to establish the National Migration Organization nears final approval, raising hopes for a fair and systematic regulation of the status of Afghan migrants in Iran.
Iran hosts one of the world’s largest migrant populations, with over 5 million Afghans living in the country. Many arrived decades ago due to war and insecurity, and subsequent generations have been born and raised there.
This decision could be a significant step toward stabilizing the status of these groups, especially amid recent policies focused more on controlling illegal entries and deporting undocumented individuals.Experts believe that the creation of the National Migration Organization could strike a balance between national security needs and the human rights of migrants.
However, implementation details—such as the exact duration of residency and precise conditions—have yet to be announced and await the bill’s final approval.This news, at the start of 2026, brings promising changes for thousands of Afghan families who have put down roots in Iran over the years.
