Amu: The mass deportation of Afghan migrants from Iran has led to a sharp increase in labor costs, with wages for construction workers doubling or even tripling in some areas, according to a senior housing industry official. Saeed Lotfi, the head of Tehran’s Real Estate Consultants Union, said in a press conference that the recent expulsions have left a major gap in Iran’s construction workforce. “Since the deportation of Afghan nationals, it has become extremely difficult to find workers for housing projects,” he said. “In parts of southern Tehran, residential homes have been emptied due to the deportations,” Lotfi added. “Labor costs have since risen two to two-and-a-half times.” Click here to read more (external link).