COMMON ANALYSIS
Last update: January 2025
Due to increased climate change challenges, Iran’s food security is threatened by water shortages. At the same time, economic downturn, depreciation of the Iranian rial and trade restrictions have negatively impacted the availability of food. As of September 2024, approximately 30 % of Iran's population lived below the poverty line and suffered from absolute poverty due to inadequate incomes to meet their basic needs. Furthermore, about 6 % of the population endured extreme poverty and struggled to obtain even the most basic food items. Poverty is seen disproportionately in certain regions, such as Sistan and Baluchistan.
Housing is largely a privatised sector, with market dynamics regulating purchase and rental prices. As a result of the persistently high cost of housing, in Tehran, and the decline in people’s purchasing power, some people are unable to obtain housing in Tehran and relocate to smaller towns surrounding the capital to avoid high rental costs.
The existence of shanty settlements was reported in all 22 districts of Tehran, with nearly four million people living in informal settlements and impoverished areas in Tehran province. These settlements suffered from poor sanitary conditions and irregular access to water and heating. Generally, the situation with water supply and sanitation in Iran has improved, particularly in regard to accessibility to water supply in urban areas. The country is grappling with a severe energy crisis, resulting in power outages lasting up to eight hours.
Primary healthcare is free of charge in Iran, provided in Tehran mainly by the nationwide Iranian Primary Health Care (PHC) network. Although there have been some safety incidents in recent years, in general, sources report good results, such as vaccination coverage and reduction of child mortality.
Although employment saw a moderate growth in recent years, the labour market could not reach its pre-pandemic level, with labour participation showing a significant gender gap. Unemployment in Iran varies among subgroups, being the lowest among men and much higher among university graduates, women and the youth. Due to the prolonged economic downturn, scarce job opportunities, and limited access to employment, vulnerable Iranians are finding it increasingly difficult to fulfil their basic needs.
The general circumstances prevailing in Tehran, assessed in relation to the factors above, do not preclude the reasonableness to settle in the city. However, a careful examination should take place, taking into account the individual circumstances of the applicant.
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