
This map shows the geographic distribution of refugees in Iran. The map uses the proportions from the 2015 Amayesh registration applied to data from 2020
The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.
* Out of the total number of repatriated refugees the majority are Afghans. See breakdown of nationalities below
Loading Number of Voluntary Repratriation per month
- All Documents (333)
- 3RP Documents (3)
- CORE (4)
- COVID-19 (9)
- Dashboards & Factsheets (157)
- Funding (17)
- Maps and geodata (34)
- Regional RRP Documents (4)
- Regional Response Plans (13)
- Reports (9)
- Reports and Assessments (28)
- Situation Reports / Updates (86)
- Situation Updates (16)
- Strategy Documents (4)
- Updates (1)
- All Documents (333)
- 3RP Documents (3)
- CORE (4)
- COVID-19 (9)
- Dashboards & Factsheets (157)
- Funding (17)
- Maps and geodata (34)
- Regional RRP Documents (4)
- Regional Response Plans (13)
- Reports (9)
- Reports and Assessments (28)
- Situation Reports / Updates (86)
- Situation Updates (16)
- Strategy Documents (4)
- Updates (1)
UNHCR Regional Appeal: Returns from Iran & Pakistan to Afghanistan
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 2 May 2025 (2 days ago)
Iran-Afghanistan - Returns Emergency Response #4
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 1 May 2025 (3 days ago)
Iran-Afghanistan - Returns Emergency Response #3
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 24 April 2025 (10 days ago)
Iran-Afghanistan - Returns Emergency Response #2
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 17 April 2025 (17 days ago)
Iran-Afghanistan - Returns Emergency Response #1
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 11 April 2025 (23 days ago)
Iran Situation monthly update Mar 25
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 21 April 2025 (13 days ago)
Islamic Republic of Iran Funding Update 31 December 2024
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 12 March 2025 (1 month ago)
UNHCR Afghanistan Situation Update - 31 January 2025
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 10 March 2025 (1 month ago)
Education Away from Home - The Islamic Republic of Iran (Education Brief - 2024)
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 22 April 2025 (12 days ago)
Education Away from Home - The Islamic Republic of Iran (Education Brief - November 2023)
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 1 December 2023 (1 year ago)
Afghanistan Situation Regional Refugee Response Plan - 2024 Mid-year report
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 17 October 2024 (6 months ago)
Iran-Afghanistan - Returns Emergency Response #4
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 1 May 2025 (3 days ago)
Iran-Afghanistan - Returns Emergency Response #3
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 24 April 2025 (10 days ago)
Iran-Afghanistan - Returns Emergency Response #2
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 17 April 2025 (17 days ago)
Iran-Afghanistan - Returns Emergency Response #1
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 11 April 2025 (23 days ago)
UNHCR Iran: COVID-19 Response in the Islamic Republic of Iran - December 2021
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 14 April 2022 (3 years ago)
UNHCR Iran: COVID-19 Response in the Islamic Republic of Iran - September 2021
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 9 November 2021 (3 years ago)
UNHCR Iran: COVID-19 Response in the Islamic Republic of Iran - June 2021
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 2 September 2021 (3 years ago)
UNHCR Iran: COVID-19 Response in the Islamic Republic of Iran - April 2021
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 5 July 2021 (3 years ago)
UNHCR Iran: COVID-19 Response in the Islamic Republic of Iran - February 2021
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 16 May 2021 (3 years ago)
UNHCR Iran: COVID-19 Response in the Islamic Repubic of Iran - December 2020
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 18 March 2021 (4 years ago)
UNHCR Iran: COVID-19 Response in the Islamic Repubic of Iran - October 2020
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 25 February 2021 (4 years ago)
UNHCR Iran: COVID-19 Response in the Islamic Repubic of Iran - August 2020
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 1 March 2021 (4 years ago)
Afghan Returns assisted by UNHCR - South West Asia Quarterly Update, 2024 Q4
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 20 January 2025 (3 months ago)
UNHCR Iran: Iran at a Glance
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 12 November 2024 (5 months ago)
UNHCR Iran: Factsheet - September 2024
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 11 November 2024 (5 months ago)
Afghan Returns - South West Asia Quarterly Update, 2024 Q3
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 21 October 2024 (6 months ago)
UNHCR Iran: Iran at a Glance
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 9 September 2024 (7 months ago)
UNHCR Iran: Factsheet - June 2024
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 18 August 2024 (8 months ago)
UNHCR Iran: Iran at a Glance
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 11 August 2024 (8 months ago)
Health Access and outcomes among forcibly displaced and stateless people in the Asia-Pacific region in 2023
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 25 July 2024 (9 months ago)
Islamic Republic of Iran Funding Update 31 December 2024
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 12 March 2025 (1 month ago)
Islamic Republic of Iran Funding Update 10 July 2024
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 11 August 2024 (8 months ago)
Islamic Republic of Iran Funding Update 15 December 2023
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 9 January 2024 (1 year ago)
ReSolve: for Resilience and Solutions 2023
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 15 August 2023 (1 year ago)
UNHCR Iran: Funding update - 29 December 2022
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 19 January 2023 (2 years ago)
UNHCR Iran: Funding update - 10 November 2022
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 14 November 2022 (2 years ago)
UNHCR Iran: Funding update - 25 October 2022
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 14 November 2022 (2 years ago)
UNHCR Iran: Funding update - 13 September 2022
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 19 September 2022 (2 years ago)
UNHCR Iran: Refugee Settlements
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 25 February 2021 (4 years ago)
Asia - UNHCR Presence - 28 March 2017
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 28 March 2017 (8 years ago)
Islamic Republic of Iran - Operational Map - July 2007
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 18 February 2011 (14 years ago)
Islamic Republic of Iran Atlas Map - 06 November 2006
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 18 February 2011 (14 years ago)
Islamic Republic of Iran - August 2008
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 18 February 2011 (14 years ago)
Islamic Republic of Iran-Administrative Map - October 2007
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 18 February 2011 (14 years ago)
Islamic Republic of Iran - Operational Map - October 2007
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 18 February 2011 (14 years ago)
Islamic Republic of Iran , Administrative Map - August 2007
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 18 February 2011 (14 years ago)
Regional Refugee Response Plan for Afghanistan Situation 2024-2025 - Mid-Term Update 2025
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 19 February 2025 (2 months ago)
Regional Refugee Response Plan 2024-2025 - Afghanistan Situation
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 11 March 2024 (1 year ago)
Regional Refugee Response Plan for Afghanistan Situation Summary 2024
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 19 January 2024 (1 year ago)
Afghanistan Regional Refugee Response Plan Summary 2023
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 10 March 2023 (2 years ago)
Regional Refugee Response Plan for Afghanistan Situation 2024-2025 - Mid-Term Update 2025
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 19 February 2025 (2 months ago)
Afghanistan Situation Regional RRP 2023 Final Report
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 26 June 2024 (10 months ago)
Regional Refugee Response Plan 2024-2025 - Afghanistan Situation
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 11 March 2024 (1 year ago)
Regional Refugee Response Plan for Afghanistan Situation Summary 2024
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 19 January 2024 (1 year ago)
Afghanistan Situation RRP - Mid-year Report 2023
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 27 October 2023 (1 year ago)
Regional Refugee Response Plan 2022 - Final Report
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 8 May 2023 (1 year ago)
Regional Refugee Response Plan 2023 - Afghanistan Situation
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 16 March 2023 (2 years ago)
Afghanistan Regional Refugee Response Plan Summary 2023
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 10 March 2023 (2 years ago)
Education Away from Home - The Islamic Republic of Iran (Education Brief - 2024)
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 22 April 2025 (12 days ago)
Education Away from Home - The Islamic Republic of Iran (Education Brief - November 2023)
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 1 December 2023 (1 year ago)
UNHCR Regional Appeal: Returns from Iran & Pakistan to Afghanistan
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 2 May 2025 (2 days ago)
UNHCR Afghanistan Annual Border Monitoring Report January-December 2024
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 27 January 2025 (3 months ago)
UNHCR Afghanistan Border Monitoring Report January-September 2024
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 19 November 2024 (5 months ago)
UNHCR Afghanistan Border Monitoring Report January-June 2024
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 15 August 2024 (8 months ago)
UNHCR Afghanistan Border Monitoring Report January-December 2023
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 25 April 2024 (1 year ago)
UNHCR Afghanistan Voluntary Repatriation update 2022
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 22 March 2023 (2 years ago)
Education Away from Home - The Islamic Republic of Iran (Education Brief - 2024)
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 22 April 2025 (12 days ago)
Asia and the Pacific Regional Trends - Forced Displacement and Statelessness 2023
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 24 July 2024 (9 months ago)
UNHCR ASIA & PACIFIC CASH BASED INTERVENTIONS 2023 OVERVIEW
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 6 May 2024 (11 months ago)
Education Away from Home - The Islamic Republic of Iran (Education Brief - November 2023)
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 1 December 2023 (1 year ago)
UNHCR 2022 Multi Sectorial Rapid Assessments - Analysis
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 17 May 2023 (1 year ago)
UNHCR RBAP 2022 Cash-Based Interventions in the Region
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 19 April 2023 (2 years ago)
UNHCR Iran: Afghanistan Situation Update - 15 May 2022
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 23 May 2022 (2 years ago)
UNHCR Iran: Afghanistan Situation Update - 30 April 2022
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 9 May 2022 (2 years ago)
Iran-Afghanistan - Returns Emergency Response #4
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 1 May 2025 (3 days ago)
Iran-Afghanistan - Returns Emergency Response #3
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 24 April 2025 (10 days ago)
Iran-Afghanistan - Returns Emergency Response #2
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 17 April 2025 (17 days ago)
Iran-Afghanistan - Returns Emergency Response #1
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 11 April 2025 (23 days ago)
Iran Situation monthly update Mar 25
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 21 April 2025 (13 days ago)
UNHCR Afghanistan Situation Update - 31 January 2025
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 10 March 2025 (1 month ago)
Iran Situation monthly update Feb 25
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 21 April 2025 (13 days ago)
Iran Situation monthly update Jan 25
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 21 April 2025 (13 days ago)
UNHCR Iran: Afghanistan Situation Response in Iran - 31 August 2022
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 29 September 2022 (2 years ago)
UNHCR Iran: Afghanistan Situation Update - 15 June 2022
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 5 July 2022 (2 years ago)
UNHCR Iran: Afghanistan Situation Update - 30 June 2022
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 18 July 2022 (2 years ago)
UNHCR Iran: Afghanistan Situation Update - 16 January 2022
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 15 January 2022 (3 years ago)
UNHCR Iran: Afghanistan Situation Update - 06 January 2022
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 6 January 2022 (3 years ago)
UNHCR Iran: Afghanistan Situation Update - 30 December 2021
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 30 December 2021 (3 years ago)
UNHCR Iran: Afghanistan Situation Update - 15 December 2021
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 18 December 2021 (3 years ago)
UNHCR Iran: Afghanistan Situation Update - 8 December 2021
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 9 December 2021 (3 years ago)
Protection and Solutions Strategy UNHCR Afghanistan 2025 - 2027
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 17 October 2024 (6 months ago)
UNHCR Iran: The Support Platform for the Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 25 February 2021 (4 years ago)
UNHCR Iran: Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 24 February 2021 (4 years ago)
Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees, to support Voluntary Repatriation, Sustainable Integration and Assistance to Host Countries
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 2 December 2017 (7 years ago)
UNHCR Iran - Background Note on Resettlement - July 2021
Documentتاريخ الانشاء: 2 August 2021 (3 years ago)
As of April 2025, UNHCR estimates that the Islamic Republic of Iran hosts approximately 3.49 million refugees and individuals in refugee-like situations, potentially in need of international protection. This underscores Iran’s longstanding generosity in accommodating refugees for over 40 years, including those who arrived following the 2021 developments in Afghanistan. This figure, set to be highlighted in the UNHCR Global Trends report in June 2025, positions Iran as one of the largest refugee-hosting countries globally. The total includes 770,000 refugees recognized by the Government, comprising 758,000 Afghan Amayesh card holders and 12,000 Iraqi Hoviat card holders, alongside 2.72 million individuals in refugee-like situations. Notably, 99% of these populations reside in urban areas, with the remaining 1% living in 20 government-run refugee settlements. The result of the last verification exercise, Amayesh 18, conducted by the government between December 2024 and February 2025, indicates that the total Amayesh population in Iran remains static, although no official statistics were available to UNHCR at the time of reporting. Iran is a signatory to the 1951 Convention and its 1967 Protocol since July 1976, but the domestic legislation and ad hoc government initiatives have resulted in a variety of documentation statuses for forcibly displaced persons, leading to differing levels of protection and access to rights. Following a 2022 headcount exercise, the Government of Iran granted temporary protection and access to certain state-provided services to approximately 2.6 million Afghan nationals who registered, including those who arrived before or after the 2021 events, regularly or irregularly. In March 2025, Iran initiated a regularization exercise of the foreign nationals in the country holding headcount slips. The extension of their legal stay in the country is guided by a number of exemptions, among others, mixed documentation status families, profiles at risk upon return (e.g., former military and government officials), and those with children attending primary and secondary education in Iran. Headcount Slip holders who do not meet these criteria are advised to return to Afghanistan voluntarily to avoid deportation, which would be accompanied by a 5-year ban, and to apply for a (work) visa to return to Iran. Since 2012, in the framework of the Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees (SSAR), UNHCR has collaborated closely with the Government of Iran, national and international NGOs, and UN agencies to seek solutions and provide a range of services to the forcibly displaced population. UNHCR leads the development and implementation of Refugee Response Plans (RRPs) to ensure coordinated and complementary assistance among humanitarian partners. UNHCR continues to support the Government in providing refugees access to education, health and livelihoods. In addition, UNHCR provides individual protection interventions such as legal and psychosocial counseling, Cash-Based Interventions (CBI) to the most vulnerable families, Universal Public Health Insurance (UPHI) for vulnerable Refugees, DAFI scholarships for students in tertiary education, procurement of medical equipment and pharmaceuticals, livelihoods and vocational training, and support to income-generating activities. UNHCR maintains regular contact with the persons we serve through various channels of Communication with Communities as part of Accountability to Affected Population and addresses their specific protection risks. Return and resettlement remains crucial solutions for refugees. UNHCR takes a cautious approach towards returns through enhanced counseling under its UNHCR-supported voluntary repatriation program. The non-return advisory to Afghanistan remains in place and Afghan nationals in Iran are predominantly considered to be in a refugee situation regardless of their legal status. In the spirit of international responsibility-sharing, UNHCR Iran collaborates with states offering resettlement, to secure limited but lifesaving resettlement options for Afghan refugees in Iran. Despite these efforts, concerns persist over complex protection risks and the increasing needs and vulnerabilities of refugees, compounded by a challenging economic situation that requires robust international responsibility sharing.

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Regional Refugee Response Plan for Afghanistan Situation 2024-2025 - Mid-Term Update 2025
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Afghan Returns assisted by UNHCR - South West Asia Quarterly Update, 2024 Q4
Date of Funding Data | 31 March 2025 (1 month ago) |
The updated Education Brief presents a critical analysis of the education needs of Afghan refugees and host communities in Iran, emphasizing the need for greater international support. With millions of forcibly displaced persons in Iran, including many Afghan children, the country’s national education system is under significant strain. Overcrowded classrooms and limited school infrastructure have led to reduced enrolment capacity, particularly affecting undocumented children and girls. This Brief outlines how Iran’s inclusive policies have provided educational opportunities aligned with international human rights standards, yet more assistance is needed. It calls on donors to scale up responsibility-sharing to avoid a lost generation. Anchored in the Regional Refugee Response Plan (RRP) and the Global Refugee Forum commitments, the Brief also details a $119.3 million appeal by seven humanitarian organizations to improve education access, quality, and life-long learning pathways. By showcasing Iran as a viable alternative for continued education, especially for Afghan girls and youth, the Brief positions education as a catalyst for resilience, co-existence, and durable solutions. It highlights how investment in education contributes to well-being, economic empowerment, and the voluntary return of refugees, while strengthening community ties between Afghans and Iranians. | |
31 Jan 2025 | |
UNHCR and the European Union have signed a new agreement to continue to support displaced Afghans and host communities in Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan and countries in Central Asia. With substantial EU funding of EUR 36 million, hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees, returnees, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) will benefit from essential protection, access to healthcare, education, livelihood opportunities, and other basic services from 2025 to 2027. | |
17 Jan 2025 | |
A new contribution of USD 500,000 from the Government and the People of Japan enhances access to essential primary healthcare for Afghan refugees and their host communities in Iran. Through continued collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, UNHCR aims to support health posts across 27 refugee-hosting provinces with vital medicines, medical equipment, and personnel costs. This initiative will ensure the continued provision of free, quality health services, particularly benefiting women and girls who make up 60% of the beneficiaries. Over 3.2 million health consultations are expected during the 10-month period. The initiative demonstrates Japan’s continuous, strong commitment to refugee protection and shared international responsibility, helping Iran maintain its long-standing inclusive approach despite economic challenges. | |
12 Dec 2024 | |
Over 50,000 refugees and thousands of Iranians in 11 settlements and four refugee-populated neighborhoods in Iran are benefiting from the installation of 3,601 solar-powered streetlights. Implemented by UNHCR in partnership with the National Organization for Migration, the project has significantly enhanced nighttime safety, particularly for women and children. The initiative also boosts community life and local businesses by extending activity hours after sunset. "Our children can now play at night," shared Zahra Khavari, an Afghan refugee. The lights reduce 152.5 tons of CO₂ annually and are part of UNHCR’s Strategic Plan for Climate Action. Refugees participated in the installation, fostering ownership and local engagement. The project underscores Iran and UNHCR’s long-standing commitment to sustainable refugee support and environmental responsibility. | |
05 Nov 2024 |
Please contact the following focal point
Type of Inquiry | Contact | |
---|---|---|
External Relations | UNHCR Iran External Engagement | irnteer@unhcr.org |