Iran: Information on current penalties for draft-dodgers
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 September 1993 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | IRN15366.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Iran: Information on current penalties for draft-dodgers, 1 September 1993, IRN15366.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ab6498.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
A representative of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Ottawa states that draftdodgers can be sentenced to serve up to six months of draft in addition to the regular period of draft (28 Sept. 1993). The representative adds that draftdodgers can appeal their sentences to the Iranian authorities in charge of military service (Ibid.).
According to the BBC, Iranian leader Ayatollah Khamenei approved a pardon proposal according to which
those who have been sentenced by military courts or commanders to extra military service according to the penal act concerning war[-]time absentee conscripts and deserters have been pardoned by him and as from 28th Esfand 1369 [19th March] all their extra military service - whether carried out or not - will be set aside (21 Mar. 1991).
A 1992 Reuters report states that Iranian draftdodgers will be forgiven upon payment of a fee of up to US$17,400 (5 Aug. 1992). According to their education, draftdodgers must pay between US$2,400 and US$17,400 before March 1993 (Ibid.). The report adds
Iran offered exemption cards in March [1992] at [US]$16,600 apiece for draftdodgers who left the country legally before March 1989 (5 Aug. 1992).
Referring to the Iranian government's attempts to bring back "Iranian scientists and well-educated professionals" living abroad, a 1993 Reuters report refers to a May 1993 law as the Iranian government's "latest concession" to these Iranians (17 May 1993). This law allows "draft-dodgers with post-graduate degrees to travel to Iran once a year. Previously, they faced conscription or high fees" (Ibid.).
This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
References
BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. 21 March 1991. "Iran in Brief; Wartime Absentees and Deserters Pardoned by Khamene'i." (NEXIS)
Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ottawa. 28 September 1993. Telephone interview with representative.
Reuters. 17 May 1993. BC Cycle. "Iran Urges Moslems to Unite to Acquire Science." (NEXIS)
. 5 August 1992. BC Cycle. "Iran to Sell Draft Exemption at up to $17,400." (NEXIS)
Attachments
BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. 21 March 1991. "Iran in Brief; Wartime Absentees and Deserters Pardoned by Khamene'i." (NEXIS)
Reuters. 17 May 1993. BC Cycle. "Iran Urges Moslems to Unite to Acquire Science." (NEXIS)
. 5 August 1992. BC Cycle. "Iran to Sell Draft Exemption at up to $17,400." (NEXIS)