Nader Yarahmadi, the head of the Center for Foreign Nationals and Immigrants Affairs of the Ministry of Interior, at the seventy-seventh annual meeting of the Executive Committee of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (ExCom), emphasized the decades-long history of the Islamic Republic of Iran hosting millions of refugees and foreign immigrants, calling for increased international financial support and a fair distribution of responsibilities among host countries.
Disproportionate International Support Compared to Hosting Costs
Yarahmadi pointed out the economic pressures and existing limitations, stating: Hosting a significant population of refugees is an international responsibility and should not place the major burden of costs on a limited number of countries. He noted that financial support and sustainable international solutions are not commensurate with the volume of responsibilities of host countries, emphasizing the necessity for effective cooperation among governments and fair allocation of resources.
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The head of the Center for Foreign Nationals and Immigrants Affairs also referred to the financial resource situation of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Iran, stating: In recent years, the financial needs of this agency's operations in Iran have been estimated at around $140 million, but the amount of realized aid in 2025 was less than one-tenth of this figure. This gap indicates the necessity for a reevaluation of the methods of international support.
Continuation of Educational and Academic Services for Afghan Migrants
Yarahmadi also mentioned the continuation of public services to refugees and foreign migrants, considering education as one of the important areas. He announced: Approximately 59,658 Afghan students are studying at universities and scientific centers in Iran, and a significant number of them have graduated. Additionally, around 42,733 Afghan migrants have also benefited from educational support.
The head of the Center for Foreign Nationals and Immigrants Affairs reminded that the self-reliance of refugees should not lead to imposing additional costs on host countries and emphasized that the agency must mobilize the necessary resources to facilitate the voluntary and sustainable return of refugees to their countries of origin.
In conclusion, Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, thanked the government and people of Iran for their long-term hosting of refugees and emphasized the need for a fair distribution of responsibilities.
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