Iran Expels Over Half a Million Afghan Migrants Amidst Accusations

Mass Deportation of Afghan Migrants

• 🌍 Over half a million Afghan migrants have been expelled from Iran in just 16 days, marking one of the largest forced migrations in decades.
• ⏳ The expulsions accelerated significantly before a deadline to leave expired on Sunday, with tens of thousands deported in the preceding 48 hours.
• 💔 Many are sent back to Afghanistan, facing the same economic hardships they initially fled, and a difficult situation under Taliban rule.

Harsh Deportation Conditions

• ☀️ Migrants describe dire conditions, with thousands waiting under the intense sun in cities like Harat.
• 🧒 Reports indicate hundreds of separated and unaccompanied children were among those affected.
• 🚫 Families are being separated, with children unable to return to school and parents told to leave immediately, even if they possessed legal documents.

Abuse and Exploitation During Expulsion

• 🚨 Afghans are often arrested on the street and deported without a chance to collect their belongings or wages earned over years.
• 💰 Some report being extorted of money, with one individual losing $200 before being detained and forced to pay more.
• 💧 Detainees describe being held in centers without food or water, subjected to beatings and abuse.

Iran's Stated Motivations

• 📺 State TV in Iran presents the expulsions with a tone of national pride, showcasing police actions against Afghan migrants.
• 🕵️‍♀️ Accusations have been made that Afghans spied for Israel, with alleged confessions broadcast on state media, though evidence may be lacking.
• 🗓️ Iran reportedly decided on these expulsions months ago, but the current pace has surprised many, including Afghanistan's struggling government.