Undocumented Foreign Workers in Iraq: Navigating Legal Hurdles, Exploitation, and the Push for Reform
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Hashim Sheikh - . December 1, 2024
- . Update: December 2, 2024 5:24 pm
Iraq, once ravaged by years of conflict, is now becoming an unexpected destination for many foreign workers seeking new opportunities. Among them are hundreds of thousands of undocumented workers, including individuals from countries such as Syria, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, who have flocked to Iraq in search of employment. However, as the country transitions from its reliance on the hydrocarbons sector, authorities are now working to regulate and reduce the influx of foreign workers, while also addressing concerns over exploitation, human rights violations, and the lack of legal protections.
Rami’s Story: Living in Fear of Deportation
A Syrian national who has been living in Iraq for seven years, Rami, is one of the many foreign workers trying to navigate this complex landscape. He works at a shawarma shop in Karbala, a city that sees millions of Shiite pilgrims every year. Although his job offers a steady income, Rami, who asked AFP to use a pseudonym to protect his identity, fears the constant threat of deportation. He explained, “My greatest fear is to be expelled back to Syria where I’d have to do military service.”
The Iraqi Labour Ministry has estimated that there are approximately 40,000 registered foreign workers in the country, with many of them originating from Syria, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. However, the true number of undocumented foreign workers is believed to be significantly higher. Many workers, like Rami, are employed in the service industry, filling positions in restaurants, hotels, and other businesses across the country. As Iraq’s economy slowly recovers and diversifies, there is growing demand for foreign workers to fill these low-wage, often hazardous jobs.
Ahmed’s Struggle: Life Without Rights
Despite the challenges that come with working in Iraq without legal documentation, many foreign workers have no choice but to remain in their positions, given the dire conditions in their home countries. For example, Ahmed, a 31-year-old Syrian who has been undocumented in Iraq for the past year and a half, began working as a cook in Baghdad before relocating to Karbala. “Life is hard here – we don’t have any rights,” Ahmed shared. “We come in illegally, and the security forces are after us.” His wife remained in Syria, where conditions are just as difficult, and Ahmed admitted that if given the opportunity, he would return home, though he recognizes the grim reality of life in Syria, where there is a lack of employment opportunities and limited prospects for a better life.
The Iraqi Government’s Response: Efforts to Regulate Foreign Workers
For many undocumented workers in Iraq, the risk of legal action and deportation is an ever-present threat. In recent months, the Iraqi government has made a concerted effort to tackle the issue of undocumented foreign workers. Labour Minister Ahmed al-Assadi revealed that authorities were investigating the presence of around 50,000 Pakistani visitors who had overstayed their visas and continued to work illegally. The government has since introduced a scheme that allows Syrian, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani workers to apply online and regularize their employment status before the deadline of December 25.
However, despite the availability of this program, many workers like Rami remain hesitant to apply, fearing that their applications may expose them to deportation. “I really want to acquire legal employment status,” Rami said. “But I’m afraid. I’m waiting to see what my friends do, and then I’ll do the same.” This fear of legal repercussions stems from the limited opportunities for legal employment and the high cost of registration fees. The Iraqi government has capped the number of foreign workers a company can employ at 50 percent, but officials are now considering lowering this cap to 30 percent in an effort to prioritize domestic workers.
Domestic Workers: The Growing Demand and Its Challenges
In response to the growing demand for foreign workers in Iraq, a number of recruitment agencies have emerged to facilitate the importation of workers, particularly for the domestic sector. In 2021, one such agency began bringing in domestic workers from countries like Niger, Ghana, and Ethiopia. According to an anonymous employee at the agency, the demand for foreign domestic workers has grown significantly in recent years, with the number of women brought in for domestic work increasing from 40 to 100 per year. Many of these workers are employed by wealthy Iraqi families who can afford to hire domestic help, particularly as salaries in Iraq rise.
The demand for foreign domestic workers, however, comes with its own set of challenges. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has reported instances of arbitrary arrests and expulsions targeting Syrians, even those who have the necessary paperwork to work legally. HRW has condemned the Iraqi government’s actions, which it describes as a campaign of harassment against undocumented workers. Raids on both homes and workplaces have led to widespread fear among foreign workers, many of whom live in constant anxiety over the possibility of being detained or expelled.
Balancing Foreign Labor and National Employment
As Iraq seeks to balance its growing demand for foreign workers with the desire to protect its domestic labor market, the situation remains tense. The government’s efforts to regularize foreign workers are complicated by the country’s high unemployment rate, which currently stands at 1.6 million Iraqis. While the authorities have stated that foreign workers are needed for jobs that require specialized skills, there is a growing sense that the government is prioritizing the interests of Iraqi workers. For instance, large companies contracted by the government have been instructed to limit the number of foreign workers they employ to no more than 30 percent of their total workforce.
The Road to Reforms: Can Iraq Protect Workers’ Rights?
While there have been some attempts to address exploitation and improve conditions for foreign workers, the current legal framework in Iraq is outdated and ill-equipped to deal with the complexities of modern-day labor migration. The Iraqi government’s focus on regulating foreign workers comes at a time when the country is still struggling to rebuild after years of conflict, and the reliance on foreign labor in sectors like oil, construction, and domestic work highlights the significant gap in available skills within the local workforce.
Despite the challenges faced by foreign workers in Iraq, there are also signs of hope. Organizations and activists are working to support victims of exploitation and push for tighter regulations to protect workers’ rights. Advocates for change argue that Iraq’s labor laws must be updated to reflect the realities of the modern labor market and address the root causes of exploitation, including the lack of job opportunities and the growing reliance on foreign workers.
The Future of Iraq’s Foreign Workforce
Ultimately, Iraq’s struggle with managing its foreign labor force reflects broader social and economic challenges faced by the country. As it seeks to diversify its economy and build a more sustainable future, the question remains whether the government can implement effective reforms that will protect both domestic and foreign workers while ensuring that the rights of all individuals are respected and upheld.
With the growing international attention on the plight of undocumented foreign workers in Iraq, the pressure is mounting for the government to take meaningful action to address the issue. As the deadline for regularizing foreign workers looms, it remains to be seen whether the Iraqi authorities will take decisive steps to protect vulnerable workers or if the status quo will persist, leaving many workers in a precarious and uncertain position.
