Iran's Agreement for Afghan Students to Study in Two New University Fields

According to an Afghan government official, Iranian authorities have promised to extend the residency of 450,000 Afghan nationals in Iran for an additional six months and to provide opportunities for Afghan students to study in two fields: "Aerospace" and "Mining Engineering." Mohammad Mohqiq, the Second Deputy of the Afghan Chief Executive, who led a government delegation to Iran last week, spoke at a press conference in Kabul upon his return about the achievements of his trip. According to the Afghan section of Radio Free Europe, Mr. Mohqiq announced that the Iranian government has agreed to lift some restrictions imposed on Afghans who are illegally present in Iran. The main focus of Mr. Mohqiq's discussions with Iranian officials was primarily about Afghans whose residency documents expire by December 6 of this year. Mr. Mohqiq stated that Iranian officials have promised to extend the residency documents of 450,000 Afghan nationals living in Iran for six months. In this press conference, the Second Deputy of the Afghan Chief Executive discussed the possibility of Afghan students studying in certain fields that were previously prohibited, stating: "It was not possible for Afghans to study in some university fields like Aerospace and Mining Engineering. During our trip to Iran, we spoke with the Minister of Science, Mr. Farhadi, who promised to facilitate study in these two fields for Afghans as well." Furthermore, Mr. Mohqiq mentioned that among more than two million Afghans residing in Iran, one million do not have legal residency documents and face restrictions. He said: "About one million illegal Afghan migrants are in Iran, and their children are not allowed to study. We requested the Iranian President and relevant ministers to allow the children of illegal migrants to also have the right to study in schools." The widespread expulsion of Afghans from Iran in recent years and the issuance of certain discriminatory regulations against them have been subjects of extensive discussions in Iran. The Afghan government had previously asked Iran not to forcibly expel Afghan refugees and to ensure that the return of Afghan migrants to their country is voluntary.