Iran Launches Work Visa Program for Foreign Nationals Amid Labor Market Reforms

Iran’s Ministry of Labor has unveiled a new initiative aimed at issuing work visas to foreign nationals as part of efforts to regulate the employment of migrants in the country. Ali Bagheri, Director General of Foreign Nationals Employment at the ministry, said roughly 440,000 foreign workers are currently employed legally in Iran, representing 2.5% of the country’s workforce.

Bagheri noted that the program began in October, though significant numbers of new visa issuances have yet to be recorded. Under the plan, employers must first offer job opportunities to Iranian workers. Only if no suitable domestic candidate is found, employers may apply for a work visa for a foreign national.

According to Bagheri, since the start of the Iranian calendar year in March, many undocumented foreign workers have exited the labor market. These workers—estimated at up to 500,000 people—were previously active in sectors such as services, agriculture, and industry. However, he said that in labor-intensive jobs or underprivileged regions, employers claim Iranians are unwilling to take on such work.

Despite heavy restrictions imposed by the Taliban on cross-border movement in recent months, Iran remains a major destination for Afghan labor migrants. Bagheri mentioned that foreign workers generally tend to stay in their jobs slightly longer than Iranian workers, but still, many leave after a short period.

Labor ministry officials say enforcement against illegal employment has intensified. Measures include routine inspections and joint task forces. Employers found hiring undocumented migrants face legal penalties, including the suspension of certain government services.

Once an employer’s application is approved, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues a work visa via its consulates in the applicant’s country of origin. Upon arrival in Iran, foreign nationals must obtain a nine-month work permit through ‘Kefalat’ (sponsorship) service offices. Their temporary residence permits are then extended by the immigration police.

Bagheri emphasized that employers are legally required to provide foreign employees with the same insurance coverage as Iranian workers. Additionally, accident insurance is mandatory for all foreign nationals.

Despite these measures, Afghan workers continue to express concerns about inhumane conditions and legal instability in Iran. The Taliban’s failure to create enough job opportunities at home has further fueled forced migration among thousands of Afghans.