The Iraqi Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs reported that the number of officially registered foreign workers stands below 47,000. 

Osama Majid Al-Khafaji, Director General of the Directorate of Labor and Vocational Training at the Ministry of Labor, stated Al-Khafaji noted that the ministry lacks precise data on individuals working illegally without valid employment permits in Iraq. 

Registration Channels and Crackdown on Unauthorized Agencies

To streamline the regularization process, the Ministry of Labor has authorized 140 private registration offices. 

The official cautioned employers against dealing with unlicensed agencies, adding that these illicit entities intentionally hide workers from state records. 

This allows employers to exploit undocumented staff by paying wages and benefits far below legal standards set for registered workers.

Legal Action and Regulatory Inspections

Regarding enforcement, the Ministry of Labor affirmed that labor law violators will face prosecution, and companies failing to register their workforce will incur heavy penalties. 

Al-Khafaji revealed that over the past two years, targeted inspections of restaurants and commercial enterprises have successfully identified thousands of undocumented workers, leading to immediate legal proceedings against violators.