As the situation for Christian workers becomes more troubling, Iranian Minister of Labour sends them Christmas greetings.
According to Mohabat News, as life grows more difficult for Christian workers in Iran, the Minister of Labour, Ali Rabiei, released a statement congratulating Christians on the occasion of Christ's birth.
His statement read: "My fellow Christian countrymen, the birth of Jesus Christ is an opportunity to share your joy, and salute you for your hard work and precious contribution to different industries, fields of art, architecture, business and creating jobs to propel Iranian society and civilization forward."
Iranian workers are experiencing the most difficult situation over the past few decades, due to a lack of financial clarity, increasing bribery and corruption, as well as international sanctions imposed on the country as a result of poor diplomacy on the part of the government.
This situation is even worse for Christian workers. In addition to difficulties mentioned above, Christian workers face religious discrimination as well. Reports sent to Mohabat News indicate that last year alone, at least three Christian workers were fired solely based on their beliefs. Mohabat News cannot disclose their names due to security considerations.
It seems, this Christmas, the Minister of Labour has been willing to pay the smallest attention to this group of hard working Iranian workers.
- Christians Only Allowed to Take on Menial Government Jobs
A while ago, Ali Younesi, President Rouhani's Adviser on Ethnic and Religious Minorities' Affairs, said, "There is no legal basis for preventing religious minorities from taking government jobs. In fact, they can be hired for low ranking government positions."
During his visit to the Assyrian Catholic Church of Ahwaz, Mr. Younesi told IRNA news service, "There have been situations where religious minorities were kept from taking low level government jobs." He added that keeping religious minorities away from government positions is not a major policy in the Rouhani Administration. He also stated that "Occupation is not the only problem religious minorities are facing. Also, there are groups that have a security concern over them and want to marginalize these minorities."
- Religion is a Factor in Job Interviews
One of the greatest concerns for religious minority workers is that practically they cannot get hired for high ranking government positions. This is to the point that Yonatan Betkolia, the Parliament Member for the Assyrian-Iranian minority, who is known for his cooperation with the government against the minority group he represents, said, "Assyrians, Armenians, Jewish and Zoroastrian minorities should not be considered different than other citizens. They also share the same difficulties other Iranians deal with on a daily basis. For instance, the biggest problem these minority communities, especially their youth, face is getting jobs. We hope that the government plans to address these problems. The greatest problem for these minorities, is extremist behaviour of some groups toward them. They go against the law and bring up religion as a condition for recruitment."
The statement above, however, does not include Farsi-speaking Chistians. The government does not even recognize them as a religious minority group. Thus, they are denied all their rights and privileges and become subject to harassment and threats.