Foreign workers detained for violating residency laws sit in custody during a crackdown conducted by Iraqi authorities across Baghdad.
Baghdad
738 foreign nationals arrested in residency crackdown
BAGHDAD — Iraqi authorities have detained 738 foreign nationals for violating residency rules during a large-scale operation across the capital, the Interior Ministry confirmed Saturday.
The campaign was conducted in coordination with the Rusafa Police Command, Federal Police forces, the Intelligence Agency, and the Civil Status Directorate.
“Based on the directives of the Minister of Interior, a wide campaign was launched to inspect Arab and foreign labor and arrest those violating residency regulations and those who entered without official visas,” Interior Ministry spokesperson Brig. Gen. Miqdad Miri said in a statement. “The campaign in Baghdad resulted in the arrest of 738 violators, and legal action has been taken against them.”
A security source told 964media the detained individuals included Syrians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, and nationals of Niger. “These individuals were working in Iraqi restaurants and companies,” the source said, noting that the campaign targeted both Karkh and Rusafa over a 24-hour period.
The source added that Iraqi employers who hired these workers were also detained. “The position of the Iraqi company owner is detention, release on bail, and signing a pledge not to employ any foreigner who lacks documentation or violates residency conditions.” The Baghdad Operations Commander oversaw the operation.
On Jan. 16, 2025, the Ministry of Interior announced the arrest of 691 foreign workers for residency violations and said they would be deported to their countries of origin.
Iraq is home to an estimated 1 million foreign workers, but only 71,000 have registered work contracts, according to the Ministry of Labor. The country relies on Labor Law No. 37 of 2015 and the Foreigners’ Residence Law No. 118 of 1978, requiring foreign workers to obtain valid passports, entry visas, and permits. Violators can face fines of up to $500 and deportation.
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