Mixed migration through Iran (May 2026)

Countries: Iran (Islamic Republic of), Afghanistan, Pakistan Source: Mixed Migration Centre Please refer to the attached Infographic. This infographic presents key findings on the migration experiences of Afghan and Pakistani refugees and migrants who passed through Iran en route to Türkiye. It examines respondents’ journeys through Iran, the conditions and protection risks they faced in the country, and their onward movements to Türkiye. Highlights ·The most common reasons for stopping in Iran were waiting for transport (31% of stops), earning money to pay for the next stretch of the journey (29%), and looking for smugglers (28%). The highest number of stops was recorded in Tehran, Zahedan, and Mashhad. ·Respondents most often experienced their greatest unmet assistance needs along the journey while in Iran. Needs were greatest in Tehran, Isfahan, and Urmia. Afghan respondents experienced protection risks at higher rates than Pakistanis; 39% of Afghans personally experienced physical violence in Iran, compared to 11% of Pakistanis . While Pakistani respondents had mostly considered Iran a transit country (81%), Afghans more commonly reported moving onwards due to their legal status (48%) or discrimination and hostility (42%). Background Iran is a key transit country for refugees and migrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and elsewhere seeking to reach Europe through the Eastern Mediterranean route. Recently, many Afghan refugees and migrants settled in Iran have been driven out of the country by largescale deportations and state-sponsored anti-Afghan sentiment. The ongoing war opposing Iran to Israel and the United States, and its 2025 preamble, have fuelled further departures from Iran. Barriers to research in Iran limit the availability of data on conditions of refugees and migrants in transit. Data collection with recent arrivals in Türkiye offers insight into their experiences in Iran.
2026-05-22 13:39:18