Tehran’s police chief said 70,000 undocumented Afghan migrants have been expelled from the city as part of Iran’s nationwide deportation campaign.

Brig. Gen. Abbasali Mohammadian said the operation to remove Afghans without legal residency permits is ongoing, with between 700 and 800 people identified daily across the capital. He noted that while 70,000 foreign nationals have so far been rounded up in Tehran, the number ultimately confirmed as undocumented is lower.

Iranian officials commonly use the term “foreign nationals” to refer to migrants, particularly Afghans.

Mohammadian added that a significant number of Afghans have also left Tehran voluntarily due to unemployment and tighter monitoring. He said the presence of undocumented migrants in public spaces, including Azadi Square and city parks, has declined since the campaign began.

The police chief warned that employing undocumented foreigners in businesses, especially in food outlets, supermarkets and restaurants, is a criminal offence and that establishments found in violation would be sealed. He said hiring foreign workers is only permitted if they hold valid documents and have completed required health checks.

According to Mohammadian, the initiative is part of Iran’s national plan to deport two million undocumented migrants by the end of the year, with Tehran assigned a specific quota.