KABUL - Iran has extended work visas of 470 Afghan refugees staying in the neighboring country, an official said on Sunday.

Refugee and Repatriation Ministry spokesman, Amanullah Jawad, told Pajhwok Afghan News visas of the 470 Afghans had expired two months ago.

But Tehran extended them in response to a request from Refugee Affairs Minister Jamahir Anwari during a recent meeting with an Iranian diplomat in Kabul.

The extension in Afghan refugees’ visas would be valid until late October, Jawad said, hailing the move as a positive step in relations between the two countries.

He said the ministry would continue to make efforts at facilitating Afghans returning home and those staying in foreign countries.

The spokesman added efforts were being made to ensure a dignified return of Afghan refugees to their homeland.

Currently, more than six million Afghans live in foreign countries, most of them in neighboring Pakistan. (Pajhwok)