TEHRAN – The Guardian Council has confirmed that a bill to support Iranians living abroad does not violate public principles or the constitution, paving the way for its formal implementation.
Hadi Tahan Nazif, the council’s spokesperson, announced at a press conference that the ambiguities that arose during the previous review of the bill were resolved through parliamentary amendments, and the bill will now come into force.
The bill was originally introduced by the government, considered by the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, approved in open parliament, and then sent to the Protection Council. Following the board’s feedback, lawmakers are expected to resolve outstanding issues and the amended bill will be ratified.
One notable provision of this law concerns the tracking of Iranians’ movements abroad. Ahmad Bigdeli, a member of the Parliamentary Social Affairs Committee, explained that a special committee consisting of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, and the intelligence services will consider all issues related to Iranians living abroad. Individuals free of legal or safety concerns will be able to travel freely, and dedicated systems will provide efficient access to relevant information.
The passage of this bill follows the continued efforts of the Parliament of Iranians Abroad to address the needs of the diaspora. Recently, members of the faction met with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his representatives and shared strategies and priorities. Hojatleslam Alireza Salimi, head of the faction, said the discussion focused on supporting Iranians abroad, solving their problems, leveraging the scientific and economic capabilities of Iranian elites, and promoting investment from the diaspora.
Salimi noted the growing interest among Iranians abroad to invest in the country, and stressed that Parliament will maintain close coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure that these efforts are actively promoted.
Ruhollah Nejat, spokesperson for the National Assembly for Iranians Abroad, said the new law mandates the creation of a Supreme Council for Assistance to Iranians Abroad, chaired by the president and headquartered in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The council coordinates various ministries and agencies to implement support policies.
Nejat added that the national system for the return of Iranians abroad will be operational by the end of the year, allowing applicants to submit applications for repatriation, employment and investment. Iranian investments in 15 neighboring countries in the first half of this year have already exceeded last year’s total, and the amount is expected to increase once the law is fully implemented, according to a Foreign Ministry report.