Crisis as Iran's Oil Sector Suffers Brain Drain

Iran's oil industry is facing a crisis as oil specialists and workers continue to leave the country, officials warned on Sunday. 

Arash Najafi, a member of the Energy Commission at the Chamber of Commerce, told ILNA news agency that "We are easily losing our skilled and specialized workforce, and if serious action is not taken, we may face a problem in the oil human resources area."

"For every skilled worker that leaves, we lose 35 years of life," he remarked, emphasizing the severity of the brain drain. He also highlighted the vast disparity in wages that is exacerbating the situation, pointing out that a top manager in Iran earns about $1,700 a month, whereas the same role would command around $5,000 in even the most average global companies.

The disparity in living costs compared to income, especially when contrasted with places like the Emirates where expenses are similar but incomes are significantly higher, has prompted a range of professionals from nurses to technical specialists to seek better opportunities abroad, particularly in Persian Gulf countries and neighboring states.

The situation is compounded by soaring inflation rates in Iran and a disparity between income and household expenses, leading to widespread unrest.

In response to the economic pressures, energy and oil workers in Iran have organized numerous protests in recent months, demanding better working conditions such as wage increases, timely payment, insurance, transportation, food, hygiene, and accommodation facilities.