Iran's Parliament has established heavy penalties for foreign nationals who enter the country illegally or reside without authorization. This legislation, recently approved by parliamentary representatives, particularly emphasizes Afghan migrants and appears aimed at controlling excessive and illegal immigration.
Details of the New Penalties
According to the new legislation, foreign nationals residing in Iran without permission or illegally will be required to pay a fine of up to 10,000 euros. This penalty will be determined by judicial authorities based on the individual's financial capacity. Additionally, the plan emphasizes that these individuals will also be subject to deportation from the country alongside the fine.
Read more: Hosseini Shariatmadari: Iran has brought the U.S. to its knees by closing the Strait of Hormuz
Response to the Situation of Afghan Migrants
As a host to millions of Afghan migrants, Iran has generally dealt with illegal migrants by detaining and deporting them. However, this is the first time financial penalties are being imposed on this group. A question that arises in this context is whether this plan applies to Afghan migrants as well, especially as many of these individuals have migrated to Iran due to the dire economic situation in their home country.
This legislation also applies to legal foreign nationals who, if they commit any crimes against national security or violate public order, will face heavier penalties. In this situation, the penalties for all punitive crimes committed under the guidance or training of foreign agents will be increased by one degree.
Challenges and Social Background
Numerous restrictions on media and public space in Afghanistan have severely limited citizens' access to independent information. This situation could mean an increase in migration to Iran, while the new policies may complicate this trend. Additionally, neighboring countries are facing similar challenges in dealing with illegal immigration.
With this action, Iran's Parliament aims to control illegal entries while preventing foreign influence. However, these policies may practically come with significant humanitarian and social challenges and could lead to increased pressure on vulnerable migrants.
Read more: The infrastructure of the Tehran traffic plan is being implemented by Pouria Alimardani · Forced return of Afghans to their country and challenges of re-migration
