E/CN.4/2005/85/Add.2 page 12 39. Iranian authorities in the Centre informed the delegation that Iran allowed UNHCR to veto deportations of illegal migrants who feared persecution upon return, and that all deportees were entitled to an interview with UNHCR at the border. That gave undocumented deportees a chance to present a claim for refugee status. However, UNHCR did not have access to Afghans whose deportation had been ordered by a court of law. IV. THE SITUATION OF IRANIANS OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY 40. There have been several waves of Iranian emigration. The first period was from 1978 to 1979 and consisted mainly of high-ranking officials, influential industrialists, investors, financiers, and persons related to the previous regime. The second period began in February 1979; during this period, military commanders as well as religious and ethnic minorities fled the country. Another period began during the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war, when a number of young men wanted to avoid being sent to fight or to avoid mandatory military service. 41. Iranians are also leaving the country because of economic necessity. The Iranian unemployment rate is very high and even after finishing their university studies, young people find that there are few jobs available. A large number of university scholars who go abroad on sabbatical are reluctant to return to Iran. This is mainly due to low salaries and lack of opportunities. 42. Iranians abroad seeking refugee status invoke the fact that they have engaged in anti-Government actions, such as demonstrations, handing out leaflets, or shouting or painting slogans; others claim that they are members of organizations not recognized in Iran. A few asylum-seekers say they are members of the Mujahedin Khalq Organization (MKO) or that they have been persecuted for helping members of the MKO. Religion and social relations are also among the reasons that Iranians give for seeking asylum. Some women claim that they committed adultery or are seeking a divorce and fear that their husbands might harm them. 43. According to Iranian officials, there are about 3 million Iranian citizens living outside their country. This figure includes those who left the country in irregular conditions as well as Iranian refugees. Iranian officials informed the Special Rapporteur of the steps taken by the authorities to protect Iranian migrants abroad as well as steps taken to facilitate the return of those who left the country irregularly and are now willing to come back to Iran, either to settle permanently or for family visits. Bilateral agreements have been signed with receiving countries and a Centre for Iranians Abroad has been established under the authority of the President of Iran with the participation of all relevant ministries. The Centre coordinates all activities related to Iranians living outside the country and is managed by a directorate within the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Its aim is “to defend the rights of Iranians abroad and to ensure a better coordination within Iran” to facilitate their return. 44. The Director-General of the Centre for Iranians Abroad estimates that 2,750,000 Iranians live outside the country (3 million if irregular migrants and those who have changed their citizenship are included). The majority of the Iranians living abroad reside in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the United Arab Emirates and Sweden. The