The government is planning to ease rules and regulations to help Iranian jobseekers find employment overseas in the near future, Hassan Talai, the deputy minister of cooperatives, labor and social welfare, announced on Sunday.
"It is important for Iran to make every effort to integrate into the international employment market," he was quoted by MNA as saying, adding that "It will help Iran make use of technology and updated knowledge and expertise abroad."
Many countries see overseas employment as a means to tackle unemployment at home. After years of economic stagnation, the decision by the government is expected to open up new horizons for the country to tackle the climbing rate of unemployment, which according to the central bank is hovering around 10%.
Experts believe that overseas employment can bring extra income to the country.
"For Iran, the major barrier to joining international employment market has been politics," Talai said, expressing hope that the obstacles will soon be lifted "given the country is undergoing political and economic changes."
After sanctions were imposed by the United States and European Union against Iran, several countries like Australia and Canada – traditionally viewed as favorite destination for employment seekers worldwide – have in recent years refused to absorb Iranian workers.
The government has prepared a plan known as "efficient policies on sustainable employment," pending the approval of the Supreme Council of Employment. The plan seeks to initiate "a positive trend in employment market," Talai said.
He said, "Iran has tremendous potential to send highly qualified job seekers abroad," referring to as many as four million university graduates who are expected to join the Iranian job market within the next few years.
Critics believe that Iran's bid to integrate thousands of jobseekers into international markets is not going to succeed, arguing that the skills Iranian workers offer do not necessarily match the needs of the employers abroad.
Critics also argue that many Iranian job seekers cannot speak the language of target countries – a requirement often needed in the job seeking process.
