ڕاپۆرت
So far in the Kurdistan Region, 303,000 workers have been registered under the social security system, while 225,000 of them were registered during the last five years alone. In addition, more than 61,000 projects have been registered.
بڵاوکراوەتەوە لە : 16 ئازار 2026
قەبارەی دەقەکان
قەبارەی دەقەکان
So far in the Kurdistan Region, 303,000 workers have been covered by social security, including 225,000 during the past five years. More than 61,000 projects have also been registered.
450,000 Iraqi dinars has been set as the minimum monthly wage for an unskilled worker.
From 2024 to the end of 2025, about 70 billion dinars were paid as end-of-service benefits to more than 17,625 workers.
75% of the workforce in any project must be citizens of the Kurdistan Region, while 25% can be foreign workers.
The hotline 5500, dedicated to workers’ consultations and complaints, has received hundreds of complaints within two years, many of which have been resolved.
Workers have the right to 20 days of annual paid leave, which can be extended up to 180 days in case of illness and medical treatment.
Worker Registration
In the Kurdistan Region, efforts have been made according to Labor Law No. 71 of 1987 to protect workers’ rights and ensure equal job opportunities for the local workforce.
Until 2019, about 78,560 workers had been registered in the social security system. However, after the ninth cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government took office, the number increased to more than 303,000 workers, including:
258,000 local workers
45,000 foreign workers
Registration of Projects
By the end of 2025, more than 61,000 projects were registered under the social security system across the Kurdistan Region’s provinces and independent administrations.
Note:
The Raparin Administration is counted within Sulaymaniyah Province statistics.
Social security directorates in Halabja, Raparin, Zakho, Garmian, and Koya were established during the ninth cabinet of the KRG.
Worker Retirement and Social Security
According to the Retirement and Social Security Law for Workers No. 39 of 1971 (amended):
Employers must register workers in the social security system from their first day of employment.
Employers must deposit 17% of the worker’s salary into the social security fund:
5% deducted from the worker’s salary
12% paid by the employer
Benefits of Social Security for Workers
Workers registered in the social security system receive several benefits:
Retirement rights: If a worker dies at home or at work, their family can receive retirement benefits regardless of age or service years.
Workplace injury coverage: If a worker is injured at work, the social security fund covers treatment and compensation for the period they cannot work.
Transfer of service: Workers can transfer their service from the private sector to the public sector when employed there.
End-of-service benefits: Workers can receive a financial reward based on legal procedures.
Medical coverage: Treatment costs during illness are covered.
Maternity leave: Female workers receive paid maternity leave based on their last salary.
Currently, about 1,007 workers in the Kurdistan Region have retired after being registered in private sector projects and receive their monthly pensions without delay.
From 2024 to the end of 2025, 17,625 workers received more than 70 billion dinars as end-of-service benefits.
Government Support for Job Creation
In 2022, the Kurdistan Regional Government issued Decision No. 172 to guarantee job opportunities for citizens.
According to the decision:
75% of workers in projects must be Kurdistan Region citizens.
Foreign workers cannot exceed 25%.
So far:
90% of projects comply with the decision.
50 projects have been referred to court for violations.
207 additional projects are under legal procedures.
After the decision:
627 projects requested local workers.
2,180 local workers replaced foreign workers.
Minimum Wage Decision
According to Council of Ministers letter No. 9410 (August 3, 2025):
The minimum monthly wage for unskilled workers is set at 450,000 Iraqi dinars.
Daily workers must not receive less than 15,000 dinars per day, and their monthly income must not be lower than the minimum wage.
Job Opportunities During the Ninth Cabinet
In the investment sector, more than 140,000 jobs were created in the past five years.
Through small companies and projects, especially in agriculture, industry, and tourism, nearly 40,000 jobs were created.
Through the government job portal kar.molsa.gov.krd, many job opportunities have been provided.
In the public sector, about 48,000 jobs were created for youth through permanent and contractual employment.
Workers’ Social Security Fund
The Kurdistan Regional Government has established a special social security fund for workers, which covers retirement salaries and service benefits.
The fund’s current capital is about 1.5 trillion Iraqi dinars.
Summary of Workers’ Rights
According to Labor Law No. 71 of 1987 and Social Security Law No. 39 of 1971:
A formal employment contract must be signed between employer and worker.
Working hours are 8 hours per day, and overtime must be paid.
Workers are entitled to one paid rest day per week.
Workers have the right to 20 days of paid annual leave.
Workers may request leave when necessary.
Workers can receive 30 days of sick leave, extendable up to 180 days.
Workers cannot be required to work while sick.
Pregnant women cannot be assigned heavy work.
Employers must provide:
Safe working conditions
Necessary facilities for performing the job
Opportunities for professional development
Protecting Workers’ Rights
To protect workers’ rights, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Kurdistan Regional Government established a special hotline (5500).
Workers can:
Submit complaints
Request assistance
Follow up on their cases
Within the past two years, more than 300 complaints were received, and most cases have been investigated
