Latest News

Announcement: Refugee youth leadership, advocacy, and public speaking training

21 May 2023

This is to announce that UNHCR’s Headquarters and Cohere Charity are pleased to offer a 6-month part time (8-10 hours per month) online training program for young leaders in refugee situations. This is the third round of the training that UNHCR is leading. The programme targets refugee youth who are currently studying or have graduated […] ➞

Announcement on the extension of expired visas

01 May 2023

According to an announcement from Kefalat Centers website, based on the decision of the Commission for the Regularization of Foreign Nationals and the Immigration and Passport Police: Those Afghan nationals with expired visas (expired between 22 May 2021 to 20 March 2023) can approach Kefalat centers in their area of residence from 30 April 2023, […] ➞

Universal Public Health Insurance (UPHI)

20 March 2023

The 9th Cycle of the UPHI scheme has started countrywide (from 25 February 2023) and the scheme is open and accessible to all Amayesh and Hoviat card holders. Vulnerable: Vulnerable refugees (including refugees with Special Diseases – such as Haemophilia, Thalassemia, Renal Failure, Kidney Transplant and Multiple Sclerosis [MS]), similar to previous cycles, can approach […] ➞

New national scheme for determination of the employment status of Afghan nationals.

19 March 2023

The Ministry of Cooperatives, Labor and Social Welfare is calling 18 to 60-year-old Afghan national holders of the 2022 headcount slips to register and obtain an employment ID. Headcount slip holders should visit the official website to schedule an appointment: http://kanoonnobat.ir Headcount slip holders who cannot find their province of residence on the official website […] ➞

Temporary closure of UNHCR services in Iran

UNHCR Iran would regrettably like to inform all refugees/ asylum seekers residing in Iran, that some of the services, including resettlement, cash-based interventions, and voluntary repatriation, would be kept on hold from 31 March until 16 April 2023. However, services such as psychosocial support and legal intervention will continue throughout this period. The stoppage of […] ➞

Beware of fraudsters charging Afghan refugees for Australian visa application forms

15 March 2023

UNHCR has received reports of fraudsters charging Afghan refugees money for Australian visa application forms in different cities in Iran. Please be informed that visa application forms for Australia are available online and they can be downloaded free of cost. Availability of forms online is standard practice and is NOT linked to any special scheme […] ➞

Notice of the extension of visas for those included in the Family Passport Plan

05 February 2023

According to the information and public relations of the Bureau for Aliens and Foreign Immigrants Affairs of the Ministry of Interior: For the attention of those included in the family passport plan for Aliens and Foreign Immigrants who have one of the following conditions: Family passport holders with visa extension valid until 21.12. 2022 Family […] ➞

Last call for the Amayesh 17 plan

06 December 2022

to the notice of all those eligible to participate in the Amayesh 17th registration exercise: Afghan nationals who for any reason failed to participate in the Amayesh 17th registration, in order to avoid being undocumented and also to benefit from the relevant services, should approach the nearest Kefalat centers of the governorates across the country to renew […] ➞

Headcount LPs extended for an additional 3 months

31 October 2022

Notifying all foreign nationals who have participated in the new headcount and identification plans, the validity of the LPs issued in line with the “conditional protection preparation process” are extended from 22 October for three months until 20 January 2023. It should be noted that the following foreign nationals are not subject to the extension […] ➞

BAFIA announcement: School registration of students who participated in the Headcount plan:

21 September 2022

1. First grader students participating in the recount plan; and holders of the previous year’s educational support slip whose educational level or educational unit (school) has changed, should refer to kanoonnobat.ir to receive the educational support slip for the new year of 1402-1401. Holders of the previous year’s educational support slip, whose educational unit (school) […] ➞

Announcement: For the attention of expired Amayesh/Hoviat cardholders

11 September 2022

This is to inform that the holders of Amayesh 10 to 16 (Afghan nationals) and Hoviat cards 9-15 (Iraqi nationals), who have not renewed their cards in previous card renewal programs can renew their cards this year. Furthermore, to renew the Amayesh and Hoviat cards as mentioned above, you also need to show that you […] ➞

Announcement on enrollment of foreign students nationals without documents

14 August 2022

This is to inform all foreign nationals and immigrants without documents that the following measures should be taken to enroll their school-aged children in schools: According to the educational circular issued by the Ministry of Education, students holding educational support slip (blue card) issued year (1400-1401) can enroll in school with the same blue card. […] ➞

Announcement: Adjustments in UNHCR voluntary return support for registered Afghan refugees in Iran and Pakistan

20 July 2022

The voluntary return support for registered Afghan refugees who decide to return from Iran and Pakistan to Afghanistan under UNHCR’s facilitated voluntary repatriation programme is being adjusted from 1 August 2022. Afghan returnees who have been issued with a Voluntary Repatriation Form (VRF) at the UNHCR voluntary repatriation centres in Iran and Pakistan are eligible […] ➞

Announcement on the launch of registration for Amayesh cards 17 and Hoviat cards 16

11 July 2022

All refugees residing in Iran are informed, that the process for the renewal of Amayesh 17 and Hoviat 16 has begun as of 11 July 2022.  All refugees in possession of valid Amayesh cards (for Afghan nationals) and Hoviat cards (Iraqi Nationals) are strongly encouraged to approach the nearest Kefalat centres to renew their cards […] ➞

Beware of scammers

06 July 2022

All the services provided by UNHCR to refugees are free of charge. DO NOT pay money to anyone in exchange for humanitarian assistance. In case you are receiving phone calls or being approached by individuals claiming to be from the Health Services Cooperative and asking for money in exchange for smart health cards/health insurance cards, […] ➞

What you need to know about UNHCR’s resettlement programme:

04 July 2022

What you need to know about UNHCR’s resettlement programme: Resettlement is an opportunity which can be provided to a very limited number of refugees, based on globally predefined criteria which are generally based on vulnerability. Globally, less than 1% of the world’s refugees benefit from resettlement. In Iran, available slots for resettlement are incredibly low. […] ➞

UNHCR expresses its concerns regarding the circulation of misinformation on social media and other channels about UNHCR’s Resettlement Programme.

UNHCR REQUESTS REFUGEES: •DO NOT believe rumours regarding UNHCR’s registration for resettlement. UNHCR does not conduct registration or accept applications for resettlement.  •DO NOT believe unverified content you read on social media about resettlement or movement to other countries. See official UNHCR Iran platforms – Website, Help Page, Instagram and Twitter – for reliable information.  […] ➞

Warning: Beware of false offer for money or assistance

26 June 2022

It has been brought to our attention that a false and misleading message is widely circulating on WhatsApp with a weblink claiming that UNHCR and the World Bank are distributing cash to Afghans in Iran. THIS IS NOT TRUE Please be informed that UNHCR has a defined eligibility criteria for cash assistance on case-by-case basis. If […] ➞

Frequently Asked Questions on Headcount Exercise

1: What are the essential documents required to obtain the headcount slip? On the day of the appointment the head of household must approach the designated centers accompanied by all family members above the age of 5, with the below required documents: Appointment slip; Identity documents for all family members such as Passport or Tazkira; […] ➞

IMPORTANT

The Headcount exercise for registration of the “undocumented Afghans” is extended another week for the last time until 30 June 2022 For the attention of undocumented Afghans who have not yet participated in the Headcount: Due to contacts and approaches of many undocumented Afghans to extend the deadline for Headcount and identification exercise, please be […] ➞

To the attention of undocumented Afghan nationals

31 May 2022

Please be informed that based on the new announcement by BAFIA, the cost of registration and participation of “undocumented Afghan nationals” in the census plan is 270,000 Rials per individual if the person approaches Pishkhan centres, and 310,000 Rials per individual if the person has vaccination certificate and approaches Kefalat Centres. Extra fees by any […] ➞

The deadline for the headcount exercise of “undocumented Afghans” was extended

29 May 2022

Please be informed that based on an official governmental notice, the headcount exercise was extended until 22 June 2022. UNHCR Iran highly encourages those “undocumented Afghan nationals” who have not yet participated in the exercise to approach the nearest Pishkhan centres which are able to process smart national ID cards, in order to obtain the […] ➞

Announcement on the “headcount exercise” for undocumented Afghan nationals

26 May 2022

To the attention of undocumented Afghan nationals willing to participate in the “headcount exercise”. Please be informed that based on a new announcement by BAFIA, those “undocumented Afghan nationals” who have not yet participated in the census can approach Pishkhan centres and enrol in the mentioned headcount exercise. Each individual is required to pay only […] ➞

Announcement on “Headcount Exercise” for undocumented Afghan nationals

16 May 2022

Complementary information on the “Headcount exercise” of Undocumented Afghans Please be informed that UNHCR, Iran highly encourages those “Undocumented Afghan nationals” who have not yet participated in the census to approach Pishkhan centers and obtain a temporary residence slip that is being issued by the Government of Iran. As per the notice published on BAFIA’s […] ➞

Announcement on “Headcount Exercise” for undocumented Afghan nationals

10 May 2022

For the attention of all Undocumented Afghan National in Iran Please note that all Undocumented Afghans in Iran are strongly recommended to participate in the “Headcount exercise” by getting an appointment from this link: http://kanoonnobat.ir/ The registration for the headcount is being carried out for three categories of eligible groups: 1. Re-headcount: holders of the […] ➞

Announcement on in-person approaches to UNHCR Reception areas

03 April 2022

Starting from 10 April 2022, UNHCR Iran reception centers will only receive individuals who have prior appointments, confirmed through our hotline telephone numbers. Individuals who approach reception centers without prior appointment will not be received (with the exception of urgent cases) and will be requested to contact UNHCR hotlines and raise their concerns and requests. […] ➞

Announcement on visa extension

18 March 2022

Afghan nationals, holding valid passports with any of the following types of Iranian visas  Type A= Entry,  Type B= Tourist,  Type C= Pilgrimage and  Type M= Family Reunification With a visa validity of at least 5 days MUST apply for an appointment ONLY through the OFFICIAL Kefalat Centers Appointment WEBSITE (http://kanoonnobat.ir/) to secure the extension […] ➞

Announcement on Universal Public Health Insurance (UPHI)

16 March 2022

Announcement Number 001/2022 Universal Public Health Insurance (UPHI) 8th cycle for all refugees (Amayesh card 16 and Hoviat card holders) The new 8th cycle of Universal Public Health insurance (UPHI) has started (from 25 February 2022). All Amayesh and Hoviat card holder refugees, who have been enrolled in the previous cycle of Universal Public Health […] ➞

Announcement on Resettlement

18 December 2021

UNHCR expresses its concerns regarding the circulation of misinformation on social media and through other channels about resettlement. Do not believe rumors and unofficial statements about UNHCR registration for resettlement or UNHCR facilitation of movement to other countries.   You may have seen an announcement by European countries about resettlement opportunities for Afghan refugees currently in Iran and UNHCR’s role in facilitating resettlement to […] ➞

Announcement on Student Visas

26 October 2021

In view of the still volatile situation in Afghanistan, Iran’s Ministry of Science, Research and Technology announced that Afghan refugee students who are seeking to enroll at Iranian universities and therefore need to change their Amayesh card for a passport with a student visa can now do so from Kish Island, rather than traveling to Afghanistan. UNHCR welcomes this initiative by the Iranian […] ➞

Announcement on DAFI Scholarship

13 October 2021

Facilitating refugees’ access to higher education is one of UNHCR’s priorities in Iran. UNHCR works with the Government and the NGO Pars Development Actors (PDA) to implement the DAFI scholarship programme, which supports a number of refugee students to undertake undergraduate university studies. The scholarship programme covers tuition fees and living expenses. For more information about the DAFI scholarship programme, including the eligibility criteria, required documentation and other programme details, please contact Provincial BAFIA, Central BAFIA or PDA. You may reach PDA by […] ➞

Announcement on Services Available for the Undocumented

26 September 2021

In Iran, Afghans have access to different rights and services based on their status (Amayesh card holder, passport & visa holder, undocumented).  It should be noted that, in line with the approach of the Government of Iran, Amayesh card holders are the primary group of concern to UNHCR Iran. However, we strive to also support those most in need […] ➞

Announcement on the 7th cycle of Universal Public Health Insurance (UPHI)

Announcement Number 002/2021 We are pleased to share with you the recent developments relating to the Universal Public Health Insurance (UPHI) scheme: (1) Electronic access to health insurance: As of July 2021, issuance, renewal or changing of UPHI insurance booklets has been discontinued and replaced by online services countrywide. All refugees who have enrolled in UPHI can now receive […] ➞

Announcement on the launch of UNHCR “HELP” website

UNHCR Iran is happy to announce the launch of our Iran “HELP” website. This page was created to provide useful and reliable information to individuals seeking support in Iran, including new arrivals. Website address:  https://help.unhcr.org/iran/en/ Due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, UNHCR Iran reception centers continue to be physically closed for regular in-person interaction for the time […] ➞

Announcement on circulation of misinformation on social media about resettlement

24 August 2021

UNHCR expresses its concerns regarding the circulation of misinformation on social media and through other channels about resettlement. Do not believe rumours about registration for resettlement by UNHCR. We do not conduct registration for resettlement. Refugees with serious protection concerns should contact UNHCR through our hotlines or by email. Do not believe unofficial statements on social media […] ➞

UNHCR expresses its concerns regarding the risks related to onward movements of persons of concern from Iran to Turkey

27 July 2021

UNHCR CAUTIONS REFUGEES: DO NOT believe rumours or informal information circulating on social media about movement to other countries, including Turkey and Europe. DO NOT believe what smugglers, human traffickers or others who may be posing as travel guides are promising. In order to undertake international travel, you need a valid travel document. If you are travelling […] ➞

Amayesh 16 Registration

18 July 2021

Amayesh 16 registration is currently underway, until 21 September 2021. However, the new cards being issued by BAFIA to refugees contain new and different codes as compared to previous years. UNHCR highly recommends that you make a copy, scan or take a photo of the Amayesh 15 card of all your family members, before approaching the nearest Kefalat […] ➞

School enrolment for non-Iranian children in Iran

11 July 2021

Every child has a right to go to school. Making sure that all children have access to education is at the heart of UNHCR’s mandate. In 2015, Iran began allowing all children of school age to attend primary and secondary school regardless of their documentation status and without having to pay additional fees. It is […] ➞

Announcement on Resettlement

UNHCR expresses its concerns regarding the circulation of misinformation on social media and through other channels about resettlement. Do not believe rumours about registration for resettlement by UNHCR. We do not conduct registration for resettlement. Refugees with serious protection concerns should contact UNHCR through our hotlines or by email. Do not believe unofficial statements on social media […] ➞

How to contact UNHCR during COVID-19

In order to mitigate risks of refugees and staff contracting and potentially spreading the Coronavirus, UNHCR Iran reception centres continue to be physically closed for regular in-person interaction for the time being. We are working to make our receptions centres as safe as possible to be able to start receiving refugees in-person again soon.   Continuing services and […] ➞

Deadline to extend family visas- Friday 21 May 2021

19 May 2021

If you are an Afghan family passport holder in Iran, please note that According to the statements of DG BAFIA, Mr. Mehdi Mahmoudi the deadline to extend your visa is Friday 21 May 2021. BAFIA has confirmed this deadline will not be extended. We thus understand that families who do not successfully renew their Iranian […] ➞

Universal Public Health Insurance (UPHI) – Start of 7th cycle

17 March 2021

Joint announcement by the Bureau for Aliens and Foreign Immigrants’ Affairs (BAFIA), the Iran Health Insurance Organization (IHIO) and the UN Refugee Agency, (UNHCR): The 7th cycle of Universal Public Health insurance (UPHI) has started. As per previous cycles, all vulnerable refugees can now approach the nearest Pishkhan centre (countrywide) and enrol in the scheme […] ➞

Announcement on resettlement

27 January 2021

Resettlement can be a life-changing durable solution for refugees who are at risk, and it is understandable that refugees would like to know more about the resettlement process. To counter the spread of misinformation and ensure refugees are provided with the correct information, UNHCR would like to share the following explanations regarding the resettlement to […] ➞