Shafaq News – Baghdad

Iraq officially hosts 44,000 registered workers with government permits, the Ministry of Labor confirmed on Sunday, as the country moves to confront the spread of illegal employment.

Ministry spokesperson Hassan Khuwam told Shafaq News that religious and general tourism has become a main gateway for irregular employment, with some visitors overstaying their 30-day visas before slipping into work sites.

He criticized employers who shield unlicensed workers, warning that inspectors are pursuing cases and that anyone caught hiring undocumented labor will face prosecution under labor and social security laws.

To strengthen the local workforce, Khuwam highlighted 37 vocational centers across Iraq that provide training in technical trades and language skills to prepare young people for the job market.

Foreign labor in Iraq is expanding rapidly in various sectors, including restaurants, cafes, cleaning services, and even state institutions. According to the Strategic Center for Human Rights, the country now hosts an estimated one million undocumented migrant workers, further straining a labor market where millions of Iraqis already struggle to find jobs.

Read more: Foreign workers flood Iraq: A threat to local jobs