The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs announced a new mechanism for granting work permits to foreign workers in the private sector on Friday, alongside the formation of a specialized committee to hold violators accountable.

Ministry spokesperson Najm Al-Aqabi told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that the Foreign Workers Section within the Directorate of Labor and Vocational Training is tasked with issuing work permits to skilled foreign workers. He emphasized that applicants must present a certified certificate of expertise approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Employers must also adhere to a 50% employment quota, hiring an equal number of Iraqi and foreign workers.

Al-Aqabi noted that specialized committees, working with the Ministry of Interior and other relevant bodies, will refer non-compliant employers to the courts after addressing the foreign worker's legal status. Foreign workers without valid work permits or residency documents will face deportation.

These measures aim to regulate the labor market, ensure compliance with labor laws, and prioritize job opportunities for Iraqi citizens.