From Policy to Discourse: Iranian Newspaper Narratives on Afghan Migrants (2021–2025)

For more than four decades, Iran has been among the countries hosting one of the largest groups of forced migrants worldwide. The majority of these migrants come from Afghanistan, making Afghan migration to Iran one of the most persistent, though at times fluctuating, migration waves in recent history. Over the years, Iran has adopted varying policies regarding migration, ranging from open-door approaches to restrictive measures and repatriation plans. These shifting policies have sparked serious domestic debates; while some groups view migrants as an economic burden, others emphasize their potential contribution to the labor market or recognize Iran’s humanitarian obligations despite its economic and political constraints. These controversies are reflected in the media. As one of the primary sources shaping public opinion, the media can either fuel xenophobia or promote empathy and solidarity, depending on how it frames migration. This thesis examines how Iranian newspapers have framed Afghan migration to Iran examining news coverage published between August 2021 and August 2025. The analysis focuses on three major newspapers, Javan, Shargh, and Iran, representing conservative, reformist, and state-affiliated perspectives. Using inductive frame analysis as the main analytical approach, the study identifies three broad categories of frames, about causes, effects, and policy solutions. The findings reveal a deeply polarized media landscape: Javan constructs a securitized and exclusionary narrative; Shargh emphasizes humanitarian and economic interdependence; Iran presents a technocratic, administrative frame that focuses on governance and coordination. These framings reflect broader ideological divides, linking each outlet's perception of the problem to its preferred solutions.