Immigration
Visa control, and one of the world's largest long-standing refugee populations
Entry and residence are governed by the 1931 Act on Entry and Residence of Foreign Nationals. Iran hosts a very large Afghan population under a mix of refugee registration, Amayesh cards and irregular status.
Key rules
- Jurisdiction — National, administered by the Bureau for Aliens and Foreign Immigrants Affairs.
Governing law
- Act on Entry and Residence of Foreign Nationals 1310/1931, with implementing regulations
- Regulations on refugees 1342/1963
In practice
Iran is a party to the Refugee Convention with reservations, including to the provisions on employment and freedom of movement. Its Afghan population, present in successive waves since 1979, is managed through the Amayesh registration card system rather than individual refugee determination, and card status governs access to work, schooling and health insurance. Large numbers hold no card and are exposed to deportation. For ordinary migration, work permits are tied to employer sponsorship and are restricted in occupations where Iranian nationals are available. UNHCR operational reporting is the most reliable source on the refugee side.