Turkey and Iran intensify crackdowns on Afghan migrants

Turkish authorities have detained 80 refugees, including 75 Afghan nationals, in Erzurum and Sivas for entering the country without documentation, news reports said on Wednesday. The individuals were transferred to deportation centers in Eskisehir.

In a separate incident, 29 Afghan refugees were arrested in Sivas for lacking residency permits, while 12 individuals faced human trafficking charges. This follows a nationwide surge in operations targeting Afghan migrants, with 24 deported from Tokat and Amasya on February 10.

In Iran, 172 Afghan migrants were arrested in Zabul, Sistan and Baluchestan province, as part of a security operation targeting undocumented foreigners. Police officials stated the detentions were part of Iran’s “Social Security Enhancement Plan.”

Iran has intensified its crackdown on Afghan migrants, imposing restrictions on employment, housing, and financial transactions. Afghan refugees report mistreatment, including beatings and torture, prompting condemnation from human rights advocates who call for global action against these policies.