Bill would let civil servants take five years’ leave on half pay

BAGHDAD — Parliament has given a first reading to a bill allowing public employees to take five years or more of leave while drawing half their base salary, and to work in the private sector while doing so.

A minister, head of a body outside a ministry, governor or authorized official could grant the leave to any permanent employee with at least a year of service, on request. Employees who end the leave after completing half its term would keep the salary paid; those who quit earlier would have to repay it and the period would count as unpaid. Unpaid leave of six months or more would also be available on the same halfway rule.

The leave would count toward retirement once pension contributions are paid, and contract staff would be eligible, with the Finance Ministry to issue rules letting them serve out the remainder of their contracts on return. Private-sector work during the leave would be governed by regulations to be issued by the Council of Ministers on a proposal from the Labor and Social Affairs Ministry. Qualifications obtained during the leave would not count for employment purposes.

It has passed only a first reading and must go to a second reading and a vote before becoming law, taking effect on publication in the Official Gazette.