New Legislation for Iran’s Devotees: A Comprehensive Guide to Status Conversion and Benefits
In a significant political development, Iran is advancing a new bill designed to address the long-standing professional and employment concerns of the families of martyrs and veterans. This legislative initiative, a key priority for the government, underscores a national commitment to honoring the sacrifices made for the country.
A New Legislative Push
The comprehensive bill for the “status conversion” of devotees has been formally drafted and is currently under final review by the government. According to Namdar Abdollahian, the Deputy for Legal and Parliamentary Affairs of the Martyrs and Veterans Affairs Foundation, the legislation is the result of over 25,000 hours of expert work. Once finalized, it will be sent to the parliament for ratification into law.
This move is a direct response to the accumulated expectations of the devotee community. While previous laws in 2021 and 2022 had made progress, the subsequent removal of some employment provisions led to dissatisfaction. The new bill aims to rectify past shortcomings and re-establish professional justice within a unified legal framework, moving away from the previous five-year mandate system.
Key Provisions and Inclusivity
The legislation outlines clear and transparent regulations for the employment and professional status conversion for the children of martyrs, veterans (with over 25% disability), and former prisoners of war. A particular focus has been placed on addressing the grievances of veterans with less than 25% disability and the parents of martyrs to eliminate past discriminations.
Abdollahian emphasized that the bill establishes a graduated system of employment benefits tailored to individual circumstances, removing previous distinctions between different disability percentages. It also simplifies bureaucratic processes, such as eliminating complex procedures for veterans with under 50% disability to obtain permits for foreign-made vehicles.
Streamlining the Process with Technology
To ensure transparency and efficiency, the Martyrs Foundation will upgrade its online tracking system. This platform will allow eligible individuals to monitor the status of their applications and upload necessary documents electronically. All executive bodies will be required to register employment data for devotees on the national system to prevent a recurrence of past administrative issues, with strict oversight being a top priority for the Foundation in the coming year.
A National and Ethical Duty
Government officials have reaffirmed their special focus on the employment of the children of devotees. Abdollahian stated that the nation’s dignity is a direct result of the sacrifices of its martyrs, and it is the government’s duty to provide the best possible services in return. He called on all managers to set aside political views and consider serving this community a national and ethical obligation.
The advancement of this bill signals the government’s firm resolve to reform regulations and restore the rights of devotees, representing a crucial step towards social justice and tangible gratitude for the nation’s sacrifices.