Title: Iran’s Subsidy Program Extends Support to Eligible Citizens Residing Abroad
In a recent press conference, the head of Iran’s Subsidy Targeting Organization, Hassan Norouzi, confirmed that the government’s subsidy program includes provisions for Iranian citizens living abroad. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to supporting all eligible Iranians, regardless of their place of residence, based on established welfare criteria.
A System Based on Eligibility and Assessment
Mr. Norouzi clarified that the Ministry of Welfare is the body responsible for the meticulous evaluation of applicants. He stated that Iranians abroad are assessed using the same indicators as those residing inside the country. Eligibility is determined through a rigorous review process, which considers various factors such as an individual’s residency status, whether they are students, or the frequency of their travel to Iran. Only those who meet the defined criteria for need receive the subsidy; those who do not are excluded from the program.
This system is designed to ensure that government support reaches its intended recipients in a fair and targeted manner.
Ongoing Refinements to Enhance Precision
The administration is continuously working to refine and improve the national welfare database to increase the accuracy of its assessments. While any large-scale system can experience initial discrepancies, the government is dedicated to resolving them in accordance with the law. The ultimate goal is to perfect the mechanism for identifying eligible households to ensure the efficient and just distribution of national resources.
A Broader Strategy for Economic Justice
This effort is part of a broader, long-term strategy initiated by the Subsidy Targeting Organization. The core mission has always been to channel the nation’s resources effectively towards those in genuine need and towards productive sectors of the economy, thereby reducing poverty and promoting social justice.
In line with the national budget law for the current year, the government has begun a process to redirect subsidies by phasing out cash payments to the top income deciles (8, 9, and 10). This reallocation is a strategic move to prevent the wastage of substantial resources and to ensure that support is concentrated on the most vulnerable segments of society, including those with special and chronic illnesses who continue to receive assistance.
Currently, approximately 75 million Iranians receive monthly cash subsidies. The government’s policy is focused on ensuring that this support is sustainable and accurately targeted for the benefit of the national economy and all its citizens.