Kurdistan Regional Government launches Hali Kar portal to aid job searching

ERBIL — The Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has launched “Hali Kar,” a new job portal designed to simplify the job search process. The platform allows job seekers to create personalized profiles to access and apply for openings, while employers can register to post opportunities.

“We felt the previous job portal was outdated and underutilized,” Mariwan Bagok, Director of Labor and Social Welfare at the Ministry, told 964media. “So, we revamped it with a new design and enhanced features to make it more accessible and effective for the public. Bagok added: “This portal can now be widely used to help people find job opportunities.”

According to the government, the platform aligns with ongoing efforts to boost local employment through partnerships with private sector companies. While the portal is operational and available to the public, it is still in its early stages, with limited job listings currently posted.

The Kurdistan Region already hosts several online job platforms with similar services aimed at connecting job seekers and employers. However, despite these resources, the primary challenge remains the scarcity of job opportunities. Many qualified individuals face limited prospects, as job creation lags behind workforce growth, leaving numerous candidates struggling to find stable employment.

The unemployment rate in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq was last officially reported at 16.5% in 2021, though experts suggest the real rate may be higher due to underemployment and informal labor not captured in official statistics. The lack of updated employment data further complicates efforts to assess the current job market.