Employers face hefty fines for hiring unauthorized foreign workers
The Iranian Ministry of Cooperatives, Labor, and Social Welfare announced new penalties for employers hiring foreign workers without valid work permits.
As of March 21, employers will face daily fines of approximately $16.3 per illegal hire, ISNA reported.
The updated fines were communicated through an official memo sent to provincial labor offices. According to the ministry’s directive, employers caught using unauthorized foreign labor will incur a penalty of $16.3 for each day of illegal employment.
This new penalty reflects a fivefold increase in relation to the daily minimum wage. Employers who repeat the offense will face double the fine.
The law, outlined in Article 120 of Iran’s Labor Code, stipulates that foreign nationals may only work in the country if they hold the necessary visa and work permit. Employers who fail to comply risk severe consequences, including hefty fines and potential imprisonment.
Officials have expressed concerns about the broader security, cultural, and economic implications of employing unauthorized foreign workers. The Ministry of Labor continues to prioritize the regulation of legal foreign workers and is focused on ensuring they are properly documented and traceable.
Authorities have also emphasized that local businesses must adhere to regulations and avoid hiring unauthorized workers. Tehran’s governor has warned that any establishment found employing illegal foreign workers will face penalties, including possible closure.
While foreign labor is permitted in industries with labor shortages, such as construction and agriculture, some businesses continue to flout the law, ignoring the potential legal consequences.