Iran sets 10,000-euro fine for undocumented foreign nationals

Iran’s parliament on Sunday approved a clause in a bill aimed at countering the influence of intelligence services and foreign governments or bodies, setting a cash fine of up to 10,000 euros and deportation for illegal entry or stay by foreign nationals.

Under the amended Article 23 of the bill, foreign citizens who enter Iran without a valid excuse, or who remain in the country illegally or with delays in renewing their residence permit, will face fines and deportation, in addition to biometric registration. The amount of the fine will be set by the judicial authority, taking into account the individual’s financial means, and may reach up to 10,000 euros.

Foreign nationals with legal entry permits who carry out actions against national security or public order, or engage in activities beyond the limits of their permit or visa, will also be subject to fines and deportation under the measure.

Under the amended article, the punishment for people who commit discretionary offences in Iranian territory will also be increased by one degree.

The move comes as part of the process of approving a bill to counter foreign influence and control the illegal entry and stay of foreign nationals in Iran.