Work or pilgrim?
Iraq investigates the alleged disappearance of 50,000 Pakistani visitors
BAGHDAD- In the first official government response to the news of the disappearance of 50,000 Pakistani visitors in Iraq, the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Ahmed Al-Asadi, expressed his concern and condemnation of the increasing number of illegal workers in the country. He confirmed that the ministry will investigate this matter and it will be a focus for verification and appropriate legal action.
The minister was quoted in a statement relayed by the Department of Media and Relations in the ministry:
“The recent news indicating the influx of about 50,000 Pakistani nationals working illegally in Iraq will be a point of concern for us and will be investigated to take appropriate legal actions.”
Millions of foreign pilgrims visit Iraq annually, mainly for Shia Muslim religious festivals such as Arbaeen and Ashura. Pakistan’s Shia community is among those who frequently participate in this pilgrimage.
The Arbaeen pilgrimage in Iraq is one of the largest gathering in the world, drawing up to 22 million people at times.
The statement mentioned that Iraq had seen visitors from various countries in recent days, including Pakistan. However, many began engaging in the labor market without the required legal permits.
The minister explained that this phenomenon negatively affects the national economy and the competitiveness of the labor market, emphasizing that the ministry will not be lenient in taking necessary legal actions against violators.
He called for cooperation between relevant entities to ensure the enforcement of laws and regulations regarding labor for all foreign visitors of the country.
The minister also reiterated that while Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether for religious tourism or otherwise, from all over the world, it is crucial that local laws and regulations are respected.
In conclusion, Al-Asadi renewed the government’s commitment to “protecting the rights of workers and regulating the labor market to serve the national economy’s interests and ensure fairness and equality among all workers, whether local or foreign”.
