Simply perusing the news churned out by the Iranian regime’s media paints a disquieting and dismal picture. The narratives peddled portray a society steadily plunging into destitution, its vitality drained by the insatiable avarice of regime officials and affiliates, who siphon wealth and hope from the populace like parasites.
Mahmoud Karimi Biranvand, Deputy Minister of Employment at the Ministry of Labor, recently lamented, “40% of all unemployed individuals are graduates. The most pressing challenge in the country’s labor market is the dire unemployment situation among graduates.”
Another alarming development is the surge in emigration among Iranian professionals. It’s evident that when specialists and graduates struggle to secure employment domestically, they’re compelled to seek opportunities abroad.
According to state-run daily Ham Mihan, the exodus of specialists and experts from Iran has reached alarming proportions. These migrations are predominantly driven by the shortcomings and deterrents within Iran, rather than the allure of foreign destinations.
Presently, this phenomenon extends beyond specialized and educated sectors, affecting engineering and management professionals. The migration of oil industry specialists has become a significant concern, overshadowing previous fears of espionage and information leakage.
Middle-level professionals, including those in construction, facilities, and services, are also opting to emigrate. Meanwhile, elite students increasingly seek admission to universities abroad.
Yet, emigration isn’t confined to individuals; even legal entities and startups are now part of this trend. Poor internet infrastructure, tax regulations, economic policy instability, and disruptions in foreign relations contribute to this exodus.
According to state-run newspaper Etemad, requests from doctors for professional certificates necessary for immigration have surged by 200% compared to 2018. The shortage of specialists, particularly in critical fields like pediatrics and anesthesiology, has left hospitals understaffed and incapable of providing timely care.
As more workers migrate or seek alternative means of livelihood due to oppressive working conditions and anti-labor laws, employers struggle to fill vacancies. The plight of skilled workers reflects the untenable conditions imposed by the regime, forcing many to either change professions or leave the country.
A report by the regime’s management and planning organization for Tehran province reveals a stark reality: over six million people have fallen into poverty over a decade. The poverty rate has surged from 20% in 2011 to over 28% in 2021, a trajectory that threatens to engulf the majority of Iranians in economic despair.
Unless substantive change occurs, Iran risks descending into widespread poverty, sparing only the ruling elite and their associates. The dream of reform under this regime appears increasingly futile, underscoring the imperative for fundamental change.
