Minister of Labor: One million unregulated foreign workers in Iraq

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Minister of Labor Ahmed Al-Asadi stated that the number of unregulated foreign workers in Iraq has reached approximately one million. Each worker reportedly earns around $3,000 monthly, compared to $500 earned by Iraqi workers. The minister added that the total annual remittance sent out of Iraq by foreign workers ranges between $5 billion and $6 billion.

Excerpts from Al-Asadi’s interview with Al Iraqiya TV:

According to approximate statistics, Iraq has around 5 to 6 million workers in the private sector. However, only 6 to 7 percent of them are registered in the social security system.

Employers have the right to register their workers in social security after a period of three months.

In 2023, there was an increase in demand for loans, with approximately 10,000 loans issued. These loans ranged from 20 million to 50 million Iraqi dinars.

If an employee reports an employer for failing to register them in the social security system, the employer faces a penalty equal to five times the employee’s salary for the duration of their employment.

The number of legally unregulated foreign workers in Iraq has reached between 800,000 and 1 million. Iraq does not officially recognize “household managers” for men; only female domestic workers are legally acknowledged. All male workers in domestic roles are considered illegal unless they are caretakers for individuals unable to move.

A foreign worker may earn as much as $3,000 monthly, while an Iraqi worker typically earns around $500. The total amount of money leaving Iraq annually due to foreign labor is estimated at $5 to $6 billion.