Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2015, published 105th ILC session (2016)

Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Iran (Islamic Republic of) (Ratification: 1972)

The Committee previously noted the observations of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) received in October 2014, indicating that the draft Bill 315 “Comprehensive Population and Family Excellence Plan” requires that in both public and private entities priority be given to the hiring of married persons, which may restrict the freedom of choice of employment of qualified single women. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether the provisions relating to hiring of women have been adopted. If so, please provide an evaluation of their impact on the employability of women workers.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Active employment policy. The Government indicates in its report that the economic policies adopted to support the private and cooperative sectors are expected to have a positive impact on the labour market. The Government also describes the measures adopted under its Sustainable Employment Development Policy, which include programmes to facilitate the access to microfinance of vulnerable groups, tax incentives for employers and short and long-term training programmes. The Committee notes that the application of the 2010 Act on the organization and support of home-based work has facilitated the transition of workers in informal jobs into the formal sector and that women, persons with disabilities and persons with low levels of education can engage in home-based work in different production areas according to their interests and skills. The Government adds that in 2013 a national system of labour market information was launched which links all employment agencies. A national labour force survey based on ILO labour market indicators is conducted on a quarterly basis. Labour market data is also gathered through a population census undertaken every five years. The Committee requests the Government to provide more specific information on the impact of the measures taken to promote employment, including data on the labour market situation, levels and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, both in aggregate and as they affect particular categories of workers, such as minorities, women, young persons, older workers and persons with disabilities.

Women’s employment. The Government describes measures taken to promote women’s self-employment in both urban and rural areas, such as programmes to support the creation of cooperatives for women-headed households. It has launched initiatives to encourage the use of women’s capacities in industry, particularly in the field of water and energy resources. The Committee requests the Government to provide more specific information on the impact of the measures taken to promote the employment of women.

Youth employment. The Government indicates that it has submitted for consideration by Parliament a proposal for the allocation of funding to promote the employment of young graduates. The Committee requests the Government to provide more specific information on the employment policies adopted targeting youth.

Afghan workers and persons belonging to minorities. The Government indicates that it has taken initiatives to regulate the employment of Afghan nationals. Some 190,000 documented Afghans are currently working in the country. The Government also reports that it is working on the establishment of offices, which will be responsible for facilitating the organization and integration of Afghan workers into the labour market. It adds that an agreement has been concluded between the Government and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to support vocational training for Afghan workers. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the impact of the measures taken to promote the integration of Afghan nationals and other minorities into the labour market.

Article 3. Cooperation with the social partners. The Government indicates that workers’ and employers’ representatives continue to participate in the Supreme Council of Employment, which makes recommendations on employment policy measures. The social partners also collaborate in monitoring the implementation of employment programmes at the provincial level. Workers are invited to participate in the Government–Private Sector Dialogue Council. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the mechanisms established for the participation of the social partners in the formulation and implementation of active labour market measures.