Key Takeaways
• Iran deported over 1 million Afghan migrants since January 2025, causing labor shortages and economic issues.
• Nearly 600,000 Afghans were forced back since June 1, with reports of violence and property confiscation.
• Labor shortages hit construction, agriculture, and services, raising wages and delaying projects nationwide.
Iran is facing a serious labor shortage after deporting more than 1 million Afghan migrants since the start of 2025. The mass deportations, which have accelerated since June, are causing major problems for the country’s economy and leaving many Afghan families in fear and hardship. Iranian officials say the policy is meant to create jobs for citizens, but the move is raising concerns among employers, international organizations, and human rights groups.
Mass Deportations and Their Impact
Since January 2025, Iran has deported over 1 million Afghan migrants, with nearly 600,000 sent back since June 1 alone. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), at least 256,000 Afghans were returned in June. Most of these deportations—about 70%—were forced, with many reports of violence and the confiscation of personal belongings at the border. Afghan families in Iran now live in fear, with many children too scared to leave their homes because of the risk of arrest and deportation.
A 32-year-old Afghan construction worker, who asked not to be named, described the situation: “We have lived in Iran for years. My children go to school here. Now, every day, we worry that the police will come and take us away. My wife is afraid to go to the market. We have nowhere else to go.”
Labor Shortages Hit Key Sectors
The sudden removal of such a large number of Afghan migrants has created a labor shortage, especially in construction. Afghan workers have long been a major part of Iran’s workforce, often taking on jobs that many Iranians are unwilling to do. Now, construction sites across the country are struggling to find enough workers.
Employers say the shortage is making it hard to finish projects on time and is driving up costs. “We depended on Afghan workers for years because they worked hard and were reliable,” said a Tehran-based contractor. “Now, we can’t find enough people to do the work. Projects are delayed, and costs are rising.”
The labor shortage is not limited to construction. Other sectors, such as agriculture and services, are also feeling the impact. Many Iranian employers are now competing for a smaller pool of workers, which is pushing up wages and making it harder for businesses to stay afloat.
Economic Pressures and Wage Incentives
The loss of Afghan workers is coming at a time when Iran’s economy is already under pressure. Many Iranians are leaving the country to look for better-paying jobs in Afghanistan and Iraq, a sign of how tough the domestic job market has become. Some workers say they can earn more abroad than they can at home, even with the risks involved.
A young Iranian man who recently left for Iraq explained, “There are no good jobs here. I can make more money in Iraq, even if it’s dangerous. I have to support my family.”
This trend highlights the economic challenges facing Iran. The country is struggling with high unemployment, inflation, and a weak currency. The loss of cheap labor provided by Afghan migrants is making it even harder for businesses to survive and for ordinary Iranians to find work that pays enough to support their families.
Government Policies and Official Statements
The Iranian government has been tightening its policies on Afghan migrants since 2024. Authorities have restricted the movement and employment opportunities of Afghans, making it harder for them to find work or move freely within the country. In recent months, officials have called for the expulsion of undocumented Afghans, saying it is necessary to address economic problems and reduce competition for jobs.
Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni has been clear about the government’s position. “We must repatriate undocumented immigrants to create job opportunities for Iranian citizens,” he said in a recent statement. The government argues that removing Afghan migrants will help reduce unemployment among Iranians and ease public concerns about job competition.
However, many experts question whether this policy will solve Iran’s economic problems. Afghan migrants often take jobs that Iranians do not want, and their removal is causing shortages in key sectors. Some analysts warn that the policy could backfire, making it harder for businesses to operate and slowing economic growth.
International Response and Human Rights Concerns
The mass deportations have drawn criticism from the international community. The United Nations and the IOM have both expressed alarm at the scale of the deportations and the conditions faced by returnees. According to the IOM, only 10% of those in need are receiving aid, leaving many Afghan families without basic support.
Human rights groups say the deportations violate international law and put the lives of deportees at risk. Many Afghans who are sent back face danger, poverty, and a lack of basic services in Afghanistan. Experts have called on Iran to respect the rights of migrants and to provide more support for those who are forced to leave.
A spokesperson for the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) said, “The forced deportation of Afghan migrants is a violation of their rights and puts them in grave danger. Iran must stop these deportations and work with the international community to find humane solutions.”
Background: Afghan Migrants in Iran
Afghan migrants have been coming to Iran for decades, fleeing war, poverty, and instability in Afghanistan. Many have lived in Iran for years, building lives and raising families. They have played a key role in the country’s economy, especially in sectors like construction, agriculture, and services.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, Afghan migrants often take on low-paying, physically demanding jobs that many Iranians avoid. Their presence has helped keep costs down for businesses and has supported economic growth in many regions.
However, Afghan migrants have also faced discrimination, limited rights, and periodic crackdowns by authorities. Many live without legal status, making them vulnerable to arrest, deportation, and abuse. The recent wave of deportations is the latest in a long history of challenges faced by this community.
Implications for Affected Communities
The deportations are having a major impact on Afghan families, both in Iran and in Afghanistan. Many families have been separated, with breadwinners sent back while wives and children remain behind. Those who are deported often arrive in Afghanistan with little more than the clothes on their backs, facing an uncertain future.
Children are especially at risk. Many have been pulled out of school or are too afraid to attend because of the threat of arrest. Some families are going into hiding, moving frequently to avoid detection by authorities.
The loss of income from work in Iran is also hitting Afghan families hard. Many relied on remittances sent home by relatives working in Iran. With those jobs gone, families in Afghanistan are struggling to pay for food, shelter, and other basic needs.
Employers and the Iranian Economy
Iranian employers are among those most affected by the labor shortages. Many say they cannot find enough workers to fill jobs, especially in construction and agriculture. This is leading to delays, higher costs, and in some cases, the closure of businesses.
Some employers are calling on the government to reconsider its policies and to allow Afghan migrants to return to work. They argue that the economy depends on this labor force and that removing them is hurting everyone.
A business owner in Mashhad said, “We need these workers. They are part of our community. Without them, we cannot keep our business running.”
Potential Solutions and Policy Adjustments
As the labor shortage grows, there is increasing pressure on the Iranian government to find solutions. Some experts suggest that Iran could introduce temporary work permits for Afghan migrants, allowing them to fill jobs where there are shortages. Others say the government should work with international organizations to provide support for both migrants and Iranian workers.
Possible solutions include:
- Temporary Work Permits: Allowing Afghan migrants to work legally in sectors facing shortages could help ease the labor crisis and support economic growth.
- Job Training for Iranians: Investing in job training and education for Iranian workers could help them fill roles that are currently vacant.
- International Cooperation: Working with the United Nations and other organizations to provide aid and support for deported Afghans could reduce the humanitarian impact of the deportations.
The government may also need to address the root causes of unemployment and economic hardship in Iran, including inflation, sanctions, and a weak currency. Without broader reforms, the labor shortage is likely to continue, and the pressure on both Iranian and Afghan communities will remain high.
International Aid and Support
The IOM and other organizations are working to provide aid to deported Afghans, but resources are limited. Only a small fraction of those in need are receiving help, and many families are left to fend for themselves. The United Nations has called for more funding and support to address the crisis.
For more information on migration trends and assistance efforts, readers can visit the International Organization for Migration (IOM) website, which provides updates on the situation and ways to help.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Afghan Migrants in Iran
The future for Afghan migrants in Iran remains uncertain. While the government’s current policy is focused on deportation and job creation for Iranians, the economic reality may force a change in approach. If labor shortages continue to hurt the economy, officials may need to consider new policies that allow Afghan migrants to return and work legally.
At the same time, the humanitarian needs of deported Afghans must be addressed. Without more support from the international community, many families will continue to suffer.
The situation is complex, with no easy answers. What is clear is that the mass deportation of Afghan migrants is having a major impact on Iran’s economy, its labor market, and the lives of thousands of families. As the country faces ongoing challenges, the need for practical, humane solutions has never been greater.
Actionable Takeaways for Affected Communities
- Afghan migrants in Iran should stay informed about their rights and available support services. Connecting with organizations like the IOM and the Center for Human Rights in Iran can provide valuable information and assistance.
- Iranian employers facing labor shortages may consider advocating for policy changes that allow for the legal employment of Afghan workers, especially in sectors where there are not enough local workers.
- Policymakers should consider the economic impact of labor shortages and explore solutions that balance the needs of Iranian workers with the realities of the labor market.
- International organizations and donors can help by increasing funding for aid programs that support deported Afghans and their families.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the situation in Iran highlights the complex relationship between migration, labor markets, and government policy. The choices made in the coming months will shape the future for both Iranian and Afghan communities.
Conclusion
Iran’s decision to deport more than 1 million Afghan migrants in 2025 has created a labor shortage that is affecting the country’s economy and the lives of thousands of people. While the government says the policy is meant to help Iranian workers, the reality is more complicated. Employers are struggling to find enough workers, and Afghan families are facing fear, hardship, and uncertainty. The international community is calling for more humane solutions and greater support for those affected. As Iran looks for ways to address its labor shortages and economic challenges, the need for practical, compassionate policies is clear.
Learn Today
Afghan migrants → Individuals from Afghanistan residing in Iran, often working in low-wage, labor-intensive jobs.
Deportation → The forced removal of people from a country, typically for legal or policy reasons.
Labor shortage → A situation where demand for workers exceeds supply in key economic sectors.
International Organization for Migration (IOM) → UN agency providing support and assistance to migrants worldwide, including deportees.
Temporary Work Permits → Government-issued documents allowing migrants to legally work in specific sectors for limited periods.
This Article in a Nutshell
Iran’s mass deportation of Afghan migrants in 2025 has caused severe labor shortages, disrupting key sectors. Employers struggle with rising costs and delays while Afghan families face fear and hardship amid international criticism and calls for more humane policies.
— By VisaVerge.com
