The university has decided to suspend both ongoing and new recruitment and onboarding processes for individuals living in Iran for the time being, TU/e announced in an intranet message. The move follows the closure of the Dutch embassy in Tehran due to the war in Iran, which has rendered consular services unavailable. 

As a result, candidates residing in Iran are unable to complete the required steps for employment. Traveling to a neighboring country to arrange these matters is not permitted, the statement said.

The measure is based on place of residence, not nationality. Iranian candidates living outside Iran can continue the process. Those affected are advised to contact their HR advisor with any questions.

“The cases involved are almost exclusively academic staff, primarily PhD candidates,” TU/e spokesperson Frans Raaijmakers said in a written response to Cursor.

How many candidates or ongoing procedures are affected at this time?

“At present, this concerns 3 candidates already in an ongoing procedure who are residing in Iran. In addition, there are approximately 96 new applicants who have applied and are currently in the initial stage of assessment.”

Is this a TU/e-specific measure, or part of a broader guideline followed by other Dutch universities or institutions?

“This is a practical consideration: the Dutch embassy is closed. Our decision to implement this pause is based on information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicating that consular services such as visa applications have been suspended.”

Why is it not possible for candidates to travel to a neighboring country to complete the required procedures?

“We have explored this option, but it entails significant risks, particularly in terms of candidate safety. Encouraging candidates to travel to or through potentially unsafe areas would be irresponsible.”

Is this policy primarily based on practical limitations, or do legal or risk-related considerations also play a role?

“It is first and foremost a practical limitation.”

Were alternative scenarios considered, such as completing visa procedures at a later stage or allowing candidates to begin employment remotely?

“This is a pause, not a permanent stop. Alternative scenarios were considered, but each presented additional challenges, such as encouraging candidates to travel through conflict zones. Starting employment remotely is not possible, as a Dutch citizen service number (BSN) is required for payroll. Delaying visa procedures is not an option either, as a visa is required to travel to the Netherlands.”

How long is this situation expected to last?

“Unfortunately, this is beyond our control. We hope the situation improves soon so that we can resume recruiting candidates from Iran. We will, of course, continue to monitor developments closely.”

Iranian students remain welcome to study at TU/e. However, whether they can actually come to the Netherlands and start their studies is currently uncertain and highly dependent on their individual situation, according to the university spokesperson.

“As indicated, there are currently several practical obstacles. For example, embassies in Iran are closed, making international payments difficult, language tests are not being administered, and educational institutions are only limitedly accessible.”

“We understand that this is a very difficult and impactful situation, which has direct consequences for this group of students. Unfortunately, as a university we have no means to influence these external circumstances or to offer a solution to them.”

This article was translated using AI-assisted tools and reviewed by an editor.