The Seizure of Afghan Refugees’ Financial Rights by Iran Is Unacceptable

In recent weeks, Iran has forcibly expelled hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees from its territory. This incident is not merely connected to a new wave of migration, but the greatest concern lies in the economic and legal harm inflicted on Afghan workers and refugees who spent decades working tirelessly. Hundreds of thousands of Afghans have endured exhausting and heavy labor in Iranian workplaces for years, yet when they are expelled, not only are they treated harshly regarding their homes and belongings, but their wages and financial rights are also withheld. This is a clear injustice and a violation of international humanitarian principles and economic laws.
Iran has greatly benefited from the long-term labor and service of Afghan refugees. Millions of Afghans in Iran have toiled for decades in construction, factories, agriculture, and many other hard-working sectors to help sustain that country’s economy. Now, as thousands of families are being expelled mercilessly, the denial of their rights is another painful blow to the wounds of the Afghan people. This is not only an inhumane act, but it may also cause further deterioration in relations between the two countries.
The Afghan government must not remain indifferent to protecting the rights of its people. If Afghan refugees in Iran are deprived of their rightful earnings, it will remain a major national loss in history. Afghanistan must openly and firmly engage with Iran so that all Afghan workers who have labored under difficult conditions for years can obtain their legal wages. In addition, the Afghan ministries of foreign affairs and labor should jointly establish a mechanism to follow up on the accounts of all deported Afghans and ensure that no one is deprived of their rights.
This issue is not solely the responsibility of the Afghan state; the international community must not remain silent either. The non-payment of refugees’ and workers’ rights is a blatant violation of international conventions, and the international community, especially the International Labour Organization, should stand with Afghanistan in restoring the rights of Afghans.
The Afghan nation has always valued the efforts, work, and sacrifices of its people. This will be an important test of the Afghan government’s integrity, courage, and representation of its people—how strongly it stands in defending their rights. Engaging in transparent, frank, and serious talks with Iran about the financial rights of Afghan refugees is not only necessary for restoring their rights, but also serves as a crucial step toward clarifying the future of relations between the two countries.