Iranian authorities have canceled around 204,000 registration papers held by Afghan migrants in Fars province, according to a provincial official.
The official said Afghan migrants who do not possess valid residency permits will now be considered undocumented under Iranian regulations.
The move could affect a large number of Afghan nationals living in the province and adds to growing uncertainty for Afghan migrants in Iran. Registration documents have provided many migrants with a form of legal recognition, while those without valid documentation face greater restrictions and potential legal action.
Iran hosts a large Afghan migrant population, including people who arrived during different periods of conflict and instability in Afghanistan. The country has increasingly focused on regulating the status of foreign nationals and distinguishing between migrants with valid residency permits and those considered undocumented.
The cancellation of the registration papers in Fars province comes amid broader concerns over the status of Afghan migrants in Iran. Afghan families without valid documents can face difficulties related to employment, housing, education and access to other services.
Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly stressed the need for migrants and returnees to have access to legal documentation and basic protection.
The latest decision highlights the challenges facing Afghan migrants as both Iran and Afghanistan continue to deal with large-scale population movements and economic pressures.
For undocumented Afghans, the change could increase the risk of detention, deportation or forced return if they are unable to obtain valid residency documentation under Iranian rules.