Shafaq News- Baghdad
Dozens of Iraqi university graduates and postgraduatesprotested in central Baghdad on Monday, demanding government jobs after “yearsof delayed appointments” and limited hiring opportunities.
Protesters gathered near the Culture Monument beforemarching toward the Green Zone —the fortified district housing Parliament andkey government institutions— carrying banners urging authorities to provideemployment for graduates and top-ranking students, Shafaq News correspondentreported.
The demonstration marked the 27th consecutive protestorganized by graduates and advanced-degree holders since 2023, according toprotester Haider Tarish from southeastern Iraq’s Maysan province, who accusedthe government of “procrastination and stalling” in addressing their demands.
Only 8,600 positions are currently available throughthe Federal Public Service Council despite around 43,000 graduates alreadyreceiving official employment codes, Tarish told our agency. He described thefigure as “insufficient” and called either for the appointment of all graduateswho obtained employment codes or priority for those who have continuedparticipating in protests over recent years.
He also pointed to Iraqi laws requiring ministries toallocate a share of public-sector jobs to graduates and holders of advanceddegrees, including provisions reserving 15% of available positions for thatcategory.
Last week, Federal Public Service Council spokespersonFadel Al-Gharawi characterized the appointment of graduates and advanced-degreeholders as a legally guaranteed right under the Employment of Top Graduates LawNo. 67 and the Employment of Higher Degree Holders Law No. 59 of 2017.
According to Al-Gharawi, 46,918 applicants had appliedfor employment codes by Sept. 16, 2025, including 22,590 men and 24,328 women, addingthat 43,413 graduates and advanced-degree holders have already receivedemployment codes, while appointments remain linked to the approval of Iraq’s2026 federal budget and the allocation of funding and job positions.
: Mass graduate protests paralyze central Baghdad
