Social Sciences

The Paradox of Integration: An Examination of Factors Influencing the Social Integration of Afghan Nationals in Iranian Society

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Farshad Karami 1
Alireza Haddadi 2
Amirhossein Gangi Azad 3

1 Ph.D. in Sociology, Faculty of Economics, Management and Social Sciences University of Shiraz, Shiraz, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Allameh Tabatabaei University, Tehran, Iran

3 PhD student in Anthropology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22054/qjss.2026.89722.2933
Abstract
Given its geopolitical position, Iran has been one of the primary hubs of migratory movements worldwide over the past several decades. According to estimates by the Ministry of Interior, more than six million foreign nationals currently reside in the country. The present study aims to examine the status of social integration among foreign nationals in Iran and the factors influencing it. Utilizing a survey research design and drawing on the theoretical framework of Ager and Strang, the study’s target population consisted of all foreign migrants aged 18 and above residing in Iran. Accordingly, 3,545 individuals were selected as respondents. The findings indicate that, structurally, migrants’ average levels of access to citizen-oriented tools and services (healthcare, education, and employment) were 44.8 out of 100; social bonds, bridges, and links scored 59.6; facilitators (language proficiency, familiarity with customs, traditions, and culture, and a sense of security and stability) scored 79.2; and observance of citizen rights and responsibilities averaged 69.15. Regression analysis shows that the independent variables collectively predict 45% of the variance in the dependent variable, and that observance of citizenship rights (β = 0.498) exerts the strongest effect on the dependent variable.

Keywords

Migration
Social Policy
Foreign Nationals
Cultural and Social Integration
Iran
Subjects
Ager, A. & Strang, A. (2008). Understanding Integration: A Conceptual Framework. Journal of Refugee Studies, 21(2).
Fawadleh, H. (2022). Palestinians in France: Integration versus community integration. Journal of International Migration and Integration, 23, 1495–1514.
International Organization for Migration (IOM). (2016). Migration Governance Framework
International Organization for Migration (IOM). (n.d.). Who is a Migrant? Retrieved from https://www.iom.int/who-migrant
Karakose, G., & Yaylacı, F. G. (2023). International migration and integration: Turkish immigrants in Poland. Migration Letters, 20(2), 155-169.
Monscheuer, O. (2023). National identity and the integration of second-generation immigrants. Labour Economics, 82, 102327.

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