Seeking asylum in Iran: authorities, status and rights

UNHCR Iran states that the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran is responsible for registering foreign nationals and determining refugee status, through the Center for Aliens and Foreign Immigrants' Affairs (CAFIA) and the Bureau for Aliens and Foreign Immigrant Affairs (BAFIA) of the Ministry of Interior. If you have just arrived, you may approach the local BAFIA office for information.

UNHCR itself does not register anyone, decide who is a refugee or issue documents in Iran. It does not accept applications for resettlement either, and it does not refer people to relocation or evacuation programmes announced by other countries for Afghan nationals; those go directly through the embassies concerned.

After the first registration exercise in 2001, BAFIA set up a process through which Afghan Amayesh and Iraqi Hoviat card holders renew their cards every year; in Iran this status effectively amounts to refugee status. To UNHCR's knowledge, only Afghans and Iraqis already registered in that database have been able to take part in later re-registration rounds. Since 2013, government-designated private institutions known as Kefalat centres collect the documents and receipts for renewals and issue temporary work permits.

Other foreigners in Iran hold passports with visas, Afghan family passports issued under the 2010 Comprehensive Regularization Plan, or the temporary documents introduced by the government in 2025 known as Movaqqat cards (numbered 1 to 4). UNHCR notes that passport and visa holders have wider access to jobs and freedom of movement than Amayesh holders.

Amayesh and Hoviat status gives a temporary right to stay in the designated area for as long as the card is valid. Travel outside the area of registration needs prior permission. Holders have access to education, health care and health insurance, and to employment within predefined fields once they obtain a work permit.

Children can only be registered as Amayesh or Hoviat holders if both parents hold valid cards. Breaking Iranian rules, such as crossing the border irregularly or involvement in crime, can lead to the cancellation of the card and deportation.

Amayesh and Hoviat holders apply for work permits through Kefalat centres. The fee is set yearly in the Budget Law; for Iranian year 1404 it was IRR 12 million for issuance and IRR 10 million for extension, plus administrative charges. Working without valid residence and a work permit can lead to arrest and deportation.

UNHCR Iran can be reached on its helpline 90000427, at its offices and reception centres, or through its online form for urgent matters. All UNHCR services are free; UNHCR warns about people who promise resettlement in exchange for money and asks that such cases be reported. Keep copies or photos of all family identity documents (Amayesh or Hoviat cards, passports, headcount slips) before renewing them.