Hossein Biouk is a journalist and social activist from Afghanistan, currently living in Kabul. He has organized book festivals and introduced the poetry collection “Let’s Forget the Gun” by Mahmoud Jafari, translated Afghan novels into Arabic, and collaborated with Mohammad Hossein Mohammadi, a prominent Afghan writer and storyteller, in compiling two story collections. He is also known for his cultural activities. He has written notes on social and cultural issues. As a journalist and social activist, he has actively participated in various protests, including the Joyful, Smiling, and Enlightenment movements in Afghanistan.

Hossein Biouk is also knowledgeable about the problems of human trafficking and migration. His valuable efforts in the field of migrant rights include reports and in-depth discussions with Afghan migrants. A peace dialogue with Mr. Hossein Biouk has been held to address the various issues faced by Afghan migrants.

At first, let us ask how Afghan immigrants reach Iran through legal and illegal methods? And why do most of them choose the illegal or irregular method? Who are authorized and unauthorized immigrants?

There are some people in Iran who are granted temporary residence by the Iranian government and their residence is renewed every few months. Others are given cards by the United Nations in agreement with the Iranian government. These cards have recently been renewed every year and each time, money is taken from Afghan immigrants. Others in Afghanistan who intend to go to Iran apply for a visa at the Iranian embassy. From past years until now, obtaining this visa has been very difficult. There have been immigrants who have spent cold winter nights standing in long lines in front of the Iranian embassy in order to obtain a visa. Interestingly, the Iranian embassy issues two-way visas. Even the ticket that the immigrant (worker) buys must be two-way, which requires a large amount of money. This is inhumane. Those who intend to obtain a visa are forced to purchase plane tickets from Iranian companies, especially from the Aseman Airline. If they buy a ticket from a domestic company, they may not be granted a visa

What are the main reasons for Afghan migration to Iran? Tell me a little about the dangers of illegal or irregular routes.

The reason that Afghans choose to migrate to Iran is due to the issue of poverty and unemployment, along with the issue of insecurity. The routes are very dangerous and the migrants who take the route to Iran are aware of the dangers in many cases. They are transported in a very terrifying manner. The vehicles used for transportation are very cramped. In vehicles that have a minimum capacity of six people, thirteen people are squeezed in. This is very terrifying. They also face serious dangers along the way to reach their destination (Iran). During the journey, they are passed from one smuggler to another and in each route, they are sold to another smuggler. When they finally reach their destination, which is Iran, the smuggler holds them hostage and demands more money from their families, relatives, or tribes than what was agreed upon.

One of the recent incidents that caused controversy between the governments of Iran and Afghanistan was the back and forth visits of delegations between the two countries, with the latest

We see many Afghans who have been living in Iran for years. What percentage of immigrants come to Iran with the intention of permanent residence and what percentage view Iran as a temporary place of residence?

As a journalist and social activist, I have not come across any specific research that shows what percentage of Afghans choose Iran as their permanent place of residence and what percentage come as temporary residents. However, I can tell you that the conditions in Iran do not allow Afghan citizens to live permanently due to the strict laws and regulations regarding immigrants. We have citizens who have lived in Iran for over fifty years, but still have a miserable life and their livelihood depends on the government’s handouts. They live in constant fear of being arrested and deported back to Afghanistan, which has happened numerous times. The temporary life that Afghans have in Iran is not acceptable; it can be described more as just surviving rather than living. They have no right to buy a house or even simple things for themselves. We also remember the wave of migration from Afghanistan, both to Europe and within Iran. Why did they do this? Because they see no hope or future for themselves in Iran, as they see that their

Work is one of the basic needs and rights of all humans, and considering that it is a prerequisite for fulfilling other needs, it is considered a necessity for survival. What are the conditions and methods of employment for Afghan immigrants in Iran?

The employment of Afghan immigrants is a form of employment between Afghan workers and Iranian employers and business owners. This is a mutual agreement between the two parties and there is no legal entity or institution as a third party. As there is no legal or official document or confirmation between the worker and employer, the immigrants do not have a stable status. If they become disabled or fall from scaffolding, there is no response or assistance available. They are never insured. I know some Afghan workers who have worked in brick kilns in Iran and have suffered injuries in their backs due to the heavy work. But because there is no recourse, they have had to switch to simpler jobs. They have been forced to find lighter work. On the other hand, most Afghan workers who work in tailoring workshops or brick kilns do so secretly. This is because they either do not have work permits or their three-month visa given by the Iranian government has expired, or they have entered Iran illegally and irregularly. This secrecy

You mentioned unjust laws such as the lack of property rights that the Islamic Republic has imposed against immigrants. Can you elaborate a little more? Are there any services provided to immigrants alongside these discriminations?

The discussion about the services you mentioned is a big issue. If the Iranian government provided services, the majority of Afghan immigrants would not be dissatisfied. I know people who have spent thirty, fifty, or even more years in Iran, but still have a miserable and difficult life. Life is just a constant struggle day and night. They also do hard work, which often results in physical disabilities. I have previously mentioned that the workers’ bodies are affected, but there is no authority to address this issue. In many cases, there is fear and anxiety that they will be sent back to their country, as the situation in Afghanistan is still war-torn. The fear of being arrested and deported to Afghanistan even prevents them from filing complaints.

Furthermore, according to the new laws of the United Nations, migration is a human right and everyone has the right to migrate from one country to another. However, Iran, with its strict laws, does not allow this. I know immigrants who have bought a house

How do you evaluate the social status and position of Afghan immigrants in the host society?

When life is always filled with fear in a country, it is difficult to define a social position for a person. Afghan migrant workers in Iran, who have a work permit, temporary residence, or a three-month visa, may have a good situation, but in general, the majority of workers do not have a suitable social status and are constantly living in fear and anxiety. As I mentioned before, they could be arrested at any moment and sent back to Afghanistan.

Similarly, a part of the Iranian people, I emphasize again, a part of the host community, may not have a positive attitude towards Afghan migrants. Some Iranian workers believe that Afghan migrants have taken their jobs, which is why they do not have a good view of them. In many cases, these issues lead to violence or mistreatment towards Afghan migrants. Again, I emphasize that not everyone behaves this way.

Regarding the belief in Iran that the presence of Afghan migrant workers reduces job opportunities for Iranian workers, if you want to dispel this suspicion from their minds, what response would you give?

Iran is also a country that has workers and their workers have the right to work. Iranian citizens are very respectable, dear, honorable, and noble people, and Afghans have good memories of them. Every worker is worried about their job. We must give them their rights. Even in Afghanistan, when workers come from other places, they become worried. But if we consider migration as a human right, work will also be a right. Every person has the right to work, earn a living, and live wherever they go. Afghan migrants who work in Iran often do difficult and laborious jobs. Many Iranians do not want to do these jobs because they know that in the long run, or in old age, or in the middle of their lives, they will face physical problems and injuries, such as back pain and spinal injuries.

In Europe and other countries, they even accept legal ways for migrants to work and they work alongside citizens. Of course, this is a general issue and I do

I believe that the authorities in Iran intentionally create the misconception in the minds of a part of society that the presence of Afghan migrant workers is the cause of the chaotic economic conditions, in order to cover up their own incompetence in dealing with the escalating and chaotic unemployment rates. Of course, this could be one of the assumed reasons.

Exactly, these kinds of issues exist. Governments do these things because of their own weaknesses. However, if serious action is taken and clear laws are defined, these controversies would not arise. I agree with your opinion that the Iranian government, due to high unemployment rates, may use Afghan workers as an excuse. In this case, it is very unethical because it creates a grudge, which leads to violence and violence is inhumane.

Given that there are many immigrants who have been living in Iran with their children and families for years, the question arises as to what difficulties and discriminations they face in registering for schools and universities? In terms of legal, financial, and other aspects.

My answers are based on interviews I have conducted with immigrants who have returned from Iran to Afghanistan. The majority of Afghan immigrants in Iran may attend seventh or eighth grade classes, but due to financial costs, they drop out and start working. Some of our relatives in Iran have children who have not attended school and are now laborers, tailors, or work in ovens. Those who do attend school must do so in a specific environment, as if they do not, they will fall a year behind in their studies. However, what is important is providing the conditions for education. When a laborer or immigrant’s only concern is bread, and another part of their life is filled with fear, it is very difficult for them to pursue education. Of course, Iran provides scholarships to some Afghans. Some of them have returned to Afghanistan and are productive individuals. I admit that we have seen some of the best writers and intellectuals in Kabul who have studied in Iran. But there are also many

Article 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, consisting of 4 clauses, and Article 26, consisting of 3 clauses, emphasize the right to work with dignity and human rights for everyone, as well as the right to education and training. In addition to the assumption of Article 1 of this declaration, which recognizes the equal dignity and rights of all human beings, it is clear that migrants are not exempt from this matter. What measures and actions do you think can be effective in supporting and implementing these principles?

In today’s world, we may have the best laws in countries, but the challenging issue is the lack of implementation. No matter how good a law is, if it is not implemented, it serves no purpose. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the laws of the United Nations regarding migrants are well-established, but the problem lies in their execution. In order for them to be implemented, countries and organizations must work together in coordination and establish laws, methods, and guidelines that facilitate their execution, so that these laws can help migrants and provide them with facilities.

At the end, if there is a point, please mention it.

I want to mention a number of Afghan migrants who have very bad memories of prisons, especially the infamous Evin Prison in Iran. They have been subjected to disrespect, humiliation, and degradation in prisons. There are many reports about Evin Prison and the treatment of Afghan migrants there that should not be ignored. According to these reports, Afghan migrants who are imprisoned in Evin are facing crimes such as forced labor, forced prostitution, and beatings, and some of them are even killed in prison. Many of them have been in prison for long periods of time and after being released, they were sent back to Afghanistan, carrying this trauma with them for years and living in constant fear. When they remember the memories of the terrifying Evin Prison, it brings back very bad feelings for them. Trauma is a very serious issue. They are so scared that many of them, even after being released, refuse to reveal their identities in interviews. The reason is that some of them are workers and want to

Thank you for the time you have given to the peace line.