Iran Allows Afghan Refugees To Study At Iranian Schools

Undated photo of Afghan refugee children in an informal school in Iran.

Iranian authorities have agreed to allow the children of illegal Afghan immigrants to attend Iranian schools and universities.

RFE/RL spoke on December 14 with Haji Muhammad Mohaqiq, Afghanistan's second deputy executive officer who recently returned from talks in Iran.

Mohaqiq said during his talks with Iranian officials, agreements were reached on providing free education for Afghan immigrants who still do not have legal residency in Iran and also on extending the residency permits for some Afghans who are legally registered in Iran.

Mohaqiq said there are more than 1 million Afghans living illegally in Iran.

There are also some 1 million Afghans living legally in Iran.