Baghdad – INA
The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs confirmed on Saturday that it is tightening its oversight procedures to protect workers in the private sector. While revealing its monitoring mechanisms for regulating the labor market, it also set regulations for including non-Iraqi workers in the retirement and social security system.
The Director General of the Department of Media and Arab and International Relations at the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, Kadhim Al-Atwani, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): “The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs follows a set of oversight procedures to improve the work environment and protect private sector workers.”
He added that “the Ministry conducts regular and surprise inspection visits to work sites to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Labor Law,” explaining that “inspectors have the authority to enter workplaces and review working conditions and occupational safety.”
He added, "The ministry is also working to audit employee records, wages, and employment contracts to ensure the legality of employment and the registration of workers with social security, and to prevent any violations or irregular employment." He emphasized that "the ministry is open to receiving and investigating worker complaints by interviewing both workers and employers within the project to ensure there is no exploitation or violation of rights."
Regarding the inclusion of non-Iraqi workers in the pension and social security system, Al-Atwani explained that "the pension and social security system includes non-Iraqi workers employed in Iraq, but according to specific regulations and conditions, which are:
- The foreign worker must possess a valid work permit issued by the Ministry of Labor, and their employment within Iraq must be legal.
- The worker must be registered with social security by their employer, who must pay contributions on their behalf according to the specified rates.
- The state does not bear the contribution rate for the foreign worker.
- The employer bears the full contribution rate (their share + the state's share).
- The foreign worker is subject to the provisions of social security during their employment in Iraq and benefits from the advantages stipulated by law.
- If their employment ends and they permanently leave Iraq, they are entitled to a gratuity for their period of service according to the regulations, if they do not meet the retirement requirements.
- International or bilateral agreements, if any, are taken into consideration, especially regarding double social security coverage. The employer bears a greater responsibility for contributions."
The Director General of the Department of Media and Arab and International Relations at the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, Kadhim Al-Atwani, pointed out that The guarantee includes the foreign worker, but with regulatory conditions that ensure the legality of his work, while placing greater responsibility on the employer for contributions.
