Afghan Migrants Protest Taxation and Frozen Accounts in Iran

 

KABUL(BNA): Afghan migrants in Kerman are voicing their outrage over a recent policy implemented by the Iranian government, which has resulted in the freezing of their bank accounts and the imposition of substantial taxes. Reports indicate that each migrant family is now facing tax demands ranging from one to fifteen billion tomans, making their continued stay in Iran increasingly untenable.

The situation has sparked significant unrest among the migrant community, with hundreds gathering outside the General Office for Foreign Nationals and Immigrants to protest the new measures. Many migrants have expressed their frustration through photos, audio messages, and videos, highlighting the drastic impact these policies have had on their lives.

One migrant, who wished to remain anonymous, shared, “Iran has frozen all our bank accounts without prior notice and has imposed a tax of one to fifteen billion afghanis on each of us. We are ordinary migrants living paycheck to paycheck, while such massive taxes are not even imposed on foreign businessmen and investors.” He added that his monthly income of 13 million tomans is barely enough to cover basic necessities, making the tax demand of 1 billion tomans feel insurmountable.

Another migrant woman, who lives with her children in Iran, reported being charged 250 million tomans in taxes despite having no income. She described the Iranian government’s actions as an effort to make life unlivable for Afghan migrants.

The migrants have voiced their concerns to the Bakhtar News Agency, detailing how they were not warned before their bank accounts were frozen. When they sought assistance from local banks, they were redirected to the tax department, where they faced overwhelming tax liabilities.

Repeated attempts by Bakhtar News Agency to get a statement from the Iranian Embassy in Kabul have been unsuccessful. Afghan migrants are now calling on the Islamic Emirate to intervene on their behalf through diplomatic channels.

In response to the escalating tensions, Iranian officials have met with diplomats from the Islamic Emirate, promising to address the issues faced by Afghan migrants. The Islamic Emirate has expressed its willingness to accommodate returning Afghans but emphasized that such returns must be voluntary.

The situation remains fluid, with Afghan migrants anxiously awaiting clarification and resolution from both Iranian authorities and their own government.

Bakhtar

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