Finance Ministry withdraws objection to teacher law amendment on increased benefits

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Finance Ministry has withdrawn its challenge to the amended teachers’ benefits law, removing the final obstacle to implementing higher allowances and expanded service credits approved by Parliament in August.

The Education Ministry said Tuesday it had been formally notified of the reversal, calling it a restoration of teachers’ rights.

The dispute had escalated after the Finance Ministry argued earlier this month that it could not fund the doubled monthly allowance because of liquidity constraints and reliance on borrowing to pay salaries. The Teachers Syndicate responded by calling an emergency meeting and warning that it would escalate “by all legitimate means” if the amendment was not implemented.

Parliament approved the amendment on Aug. 26, doubling monthly allowances from 150,000 dinars ($107) to 300,000 dinars ($214), reducing rural-service requirements, and recognizing volunteer years for retirement. Parliamentary Education Committee Chair Suad al-Waeli said the change shortens rural service from five years to three, explaining that “if a teacher serves four years in villages and rural areas, it will be counted as eight, and if five years, it will be counted as ten.”

The amendment also covers more than 200,000 unpaid lecturers nationwide and upgrades the Education Ministry’s legal departments to general-directorate level.