The Council of Ministers, in its 40th regular session held on October 8, 2024, approved the recommendations of the committee formed pursuant to Ministerial Order No. (571/2024), attached to the Ministry of Interior’s letter No. (A/J/9187), dated August 5, 2024, regarding the adjustment of the legal status of irregular foreign labor, as follows:
- Commitment to the instructions regulating the issuance of multiple-entry visas (Type 2 of 2021).
- The Council of Ministers Decision on hiring 80% local employees for Private sector companies and contracted companies with the MoO, in order to reduce the pressure and demand for public sector jobs, and to implement the government program measures aimed at mitigating the effects of unemployment and eradicating poverty.
- Review the facilities previously granted to nationals of the three countries (Syria, Pakistan, and Bangladesh) in accordance with the current phase’s requirements, by activating reciprocal treatment between both sides in all matters related to labor and recruitment methods. Such recruitment must be based on actual need and scarcity of expertise, with clear undertakings supported by accurate databases to ensure Iraq is not burdened by their nationals, and that they depart Iraq after the expiration of the visa period.
- The Ministry of Culture and Tourism shall identify companies responsible for organizing religious or archaeological tourism visits, and shall impose financial obligations upon them to guarantee that visitors do not overstay. The company’s authorized director shall bear legal responsibility in case of violations.
- Activate the role of the media in highlighting the legal proceedings arising from harboring or concealing irregular workers.
- Activate the role of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) by involving Iraq in the wanted persons and criminal record database of countries with diplomatic representation, to make use of such data when issuing electronic visas.
