KRG ensures protection of foreign workers, streamlined visa processes

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) upholds the rights of foreign workers through a comprehensive legal framework and facilitates the issuance of Kurdistan visas for tourists.

In the Kurdistan Region, there is a dedicated department known as "Labor," responsible for managing foreign workers through various companies specializing in bringing employees from Africa, the Arab countries, Nepal, and Indonesia.

According to the department's data, the number of foreign workers coming to Kurdistan for domestic services, office work, and private sector employment is steadily increasing.

The KRG’s open-door policy, which includes facilitating work visa applications and ensuring security and stability for foreigners in Kurdistan, has significantly boosted visa demand.

Additionally, investors and employers from around the world view Erbil as a business hub, submitting daily visa applications through companies and informing the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, and the Erbil Residency Office.

Farid Ali Haider, Director of the Labor Directorate for Social Security of Foreign Workers, highlighted in an interview with Kurdistan24 the role of the KRG and its comprehensive legal framework in attracting foreign workers and employers to the Kurdistan Region.

The Kurdistan Region has become a second home for many foreigners who work comfortably in Kurdistan and often apply for residency after their contracts expire.

Below you can read the interview in full:

Interviewer: What is your role in this office?

Farid Ali Haider: In accordance with KRG laws and guidelines designed to protect the rights of foreign citizens, we welcome the issuance of work visas to those who wish to serve in Kurdistan. Once an application for a worker or tourist visa is submitted, the authorized company must comply with specific requirements. This includes ensuring that, after signing the employment and residency contract through the Erbil Residency Office, the worker visits our department within the specified two-month period to renew their contract. This process is contingent upon the worker meeting all health, tax, and workplace regulations. The company requesting the worker must also fulfill all conditions set by our office, including salary details and employment contracts. Should a worker become chronically ill, the company is required to promptly notify us to allow for the cancellation of their contract and facilitate their return to their home country.

Interviewer:Are only investors allowed to apply for these workers' visas?

Farid Ali Haider: No, these contracts are not limited to investors or mall owners. Individuals with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or those who need personal care services can apply. We require that the employer signs a pledge at the Erbil Justice Office, which includes 19 stipulations. The employer must provide the worker with accommodation, communicate in a language understood by the worker, and pay them on time. Additionally, employers, offices, and private sector companies can also apply for foreign workers. Those with larger establishments can request multiple workers, provided they meet the Labor and Residency Directorate's main requirements. Restaurant and hotel owners, in particular, must ensure the health and social security of their workers, as worker complaints are taken seriously by the KRG, which is committed to protecting the rights of all workers and tourists in the Kurdistan Region.

Interviewer: What happens if a foreign worker has an accident or dies suddenly in Kurdistan?

Farid Ali Haider: We have a specialized committee that thoroughly investigates such incidents to take appropriate legal action in cases of death, burns, traffic accidents, or illness. After completing the investigation, we notify the worker's consulate with a detailed report to facilitate the repatriation of the body. If a company neglects its responsibility to ensure the worker's health, it will face severe penalties under the law. Alternatively, the homeowner can file a lawsuit against the company to reclaim their rights, leading to the cancellation of the contract and the worker's deportation through our department and the Immigration Department.

Interviewer: Do foreign workers feel comfortable in Kurdistan?

Farid Ali Haider: Yes, they do. Foreign workers not only feel comfortable working in Kurdistan, which offers a stable environment where everyone's rights are protected without discrimination, but they also become integrated into the region. Many workers renew their employment contracts and wish to stay in Erbil, proudly considering Kurdistan as a home for the underprivileged and victims.

Interviewer: It has been said that foreign worker contracts have become a gateway to trade. Is this true?

Farid Ali Haider: There may be isolated cases, but fortunately, it hasn't become a widespread issue. Some companies have attempted to deceive Kurdish citizens living in Erbil by signing contracts through the Erbil Justice Office with false information. However, we have implemented strict measures to prevent such activities. Employers cannot engage with companies directly without meeting our conditions. We maintain a register of names to prevent repeat offenders, and unauthorized attempts to fill out a pledge with a judge are not approved.

Interviewer: Why are homeowners limited to hiring only one or two workers?

Farid Ali Haider: This is a common misconception. Our department does not limit homeowners to hiring just one worker. When reviewing applications, we consider the welfare and capacity of the owner or company. For instance, a farm inspected by our department may be authorized to hire up to five workers. Employers must visit us annually to renew the residency and work rights of their workers. We provide all necessary support in this regard, as long as the applicants adhere to KRG laws and guidelines.

Interviewer: How many types of foreign employment are there?

Farid Ali Haider: Generally, there are two types of foreign workers in Kurdistan. Domestic workers are those who work in private homes with the approval of the Ministry of Social Affairs. Project workers, on the other hand, can work in various private sectors such as factories, companies, malls, private hospitals, investment projects, and municipal services under contract. These workers come to the Kurdistan Region with the approval of the Ministry of Interior. Additionally, with the enforcement of Decision No. 172 by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers in 2022, which took effect at the beginning of 2024, 75% of workers must be local. These workers must obtain a work permit from the provincial labor directorate and autonomous administrations, granting them the legal right to work and ensuring their protection under the law.

Interviewer: Isn't this department supposed to process work visas electronically?

Farid Ali Haider: Yes, the media might not be aware, but we, like other offices, are transitioning to an electronic system. Due to the high volume of work and the number of transactions we handle, we are planning to digitize our processes. This will help reduce routine delays and allow citizens to submit their requests through a dedicated website without facing unnecessary obstacles.