The Iranian regime’s Statistical Center reported a rise in the unemployment rate in winter 2025 compared to autumn 2024. Critics, however, argue that due to flaws in the data collection methodology, the actual unemployment rate is significantly higher than the figures published by regime-affiliated data centers.
According to the regime-affiliated ISNA news agency and based on the report from the Statistical Center, by the end of winter 2025, the unemployment rate among individuals aged 15 and older reached 7.8%, reflecting a 0.6% increase compared to the previous season.
Iran: Unemployment Rate Among University Graduates Higher Than National Average
According to the published data, the unemployment rate rose in both male and female demographics. Among men, it increased from 5.9% in autumn 2024 to 6.5% in the past winter. Among women, it rose from 13.7% to 14.2% by the end of winter 2025.
Unemployment also increased in both urban and rural areas. In urban regions, the rate rose from 7.8% in autumn to 8% in winter, while in rural areas it increased from 5.2% in autumn 2024 to 6.9% in the past winter.
This is while, during the same period in the previous year (2023), the unemployment rate among individuals aged 15 and older across the country was 8.6%, with 7.1% for men, 15.6% for women, 9% in urban areas, and 7.1% in rural areas.
The announcement of rising unemployment during winter comes amid serious criticisms of the regime’s data collection methods. These flaws suggest that the actual unemployment rate is higher than what government data centers report.
For example, in the surveys, random field questions are asked about individuals’ income, and they may state that they have income. However, their workplace or job type is not questioned. The presence of any income is considered proof of employment, which is one of the flaws that skews the measurement of employment and unemployment rates.
Moreover, over 40% of the unemployed in the country are university graduates. This indicates that unemployment is especially high among graduates and youth, with no significant job creation in these segments.
Furthermore, based on International Labour Organization (ILO) definitions, anyone who works two hours per week is considered employed. However, in Iran, due to significantly lower wages compared to other countries, this definition is not practical. In Iran, even individuals who work 192 hours a month—equivalent to a full-time shift—are often unable to meet basic living needs.
