Help Iraq / Services / Working in Iraq

Working in Iraq

In Iraq, asylum-seekers and refugees need to obtain work permits to be officially engaged in labor services. The UNHCR certificate does not replace the work permit. 

Asylum-seekers and refugees registered with the Permanent Committee for Political Refugee Affairs under the Ministry of Interior, holding PC-MOI cards, can, in principle, apply for a work permit from the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.  

In Kurdistan, asylum-seekers holding personal identification cards (PIC) need to apply for work permits to officially engage in the labour market. 

Note: It is legally permissible to employ people from the age of 15. However, People under the age of 18 are prohibited from working in hazardous or unhealthy conditions. 

2. Official Requirements for Issuing a Work Permit in Iraq (except for the Kurdistan region).  

  • An official letter from the employer requesting to employ the person 
  • Personal identification documents, a copy of the passport with entry to Iraq, and 2 Personal photos with a white background. 
  • Copy of the passport, including entry visa and entry stamp. 
  • ID issued by PC-MOI. 
  • Signed employment contract between both parties. 
  • Medical examination confirming the applicant is in good health and free of contagious diseases. 
  • Work permit application form from MOLSA. 

In some cases, the Ministry may require security approval from the Ministry of Interior before issuing the work permit. 

For more information: Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs – Iraq 

3. Official Requirements for Issuing a Work Permit for Foreign Workers in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq 

  • The company must be licensed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and the Ministry of Interior to recruit foreign labor.  
  • The company must deposit security funds in a bank.  
  • A work contract for each worker must be filled out at the Labor Directorate.  
  • There must be a request from the worker to work in the Kurdistan Region from a party other than the recruitment company, and the documents must be submitted to the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.  
  • The company must have published an advertisement in an official newspaper about the job opportunity, and the company’s request will be accepted if there are no local workers available to perform this job. 

Documents Required 

  • PIC and a copy of passport. 
  • Employment contract between the worker and the workplace. 
  • Clearance certificate from the Social Security Directorate. 
  • Personal guarantee. 
  • Company license for recruiting foreign laborers. 
  • Advertisement in a newspaper or job opportunity website. 
  • Letter from the labor union. 
  • Receipt of security deposit in the bank and 4 colored personal photos. 

For more information: منح اجازة عمل للعمالة الاجنبية | خزمەت