Kurdistan Region's social security coverage reaches nearly 193,000 workers
According to the statistics, the number of retired workers has increased to 1,003, while the social security fund has grown to 1,216,538,786,814 Iraqi dinars.
Nov. 10, 2024
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdistan Region's social security coverage has expanded to include approximately 193,000 workers, while the social security fund has grown to 1.216 trillion Iraqi dinars by the end of Sep. 2024.
Mohammed Amin Haji, Director of Planning and Follow-up at the General Directorate of Labor and Social Affairs, told Kurdistan24 that the total number of registered projects has reached 55,435, covering nearly 193,000 workers as of Sep. 2024.
According to the statistics, the number of retired workers has increased to 1,003, while the social security fund has grown to 1,216,538,786,814 Iraqi dinars.
Key details of the social security system include:
- Male workers can retire at age 60 with 20 years of service
- Female workers can retire at age 55 with 20 years of service
- Minimum wage for unskilled workers is set at 350,000 dinars
- Contributions are split between workers (5%) and employers (12%)
- Seven social security directorates operate under the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs
- A hotline (5500) has been established for workers' inquiries
The Kurdistan Region's social security system has been expanding to provide better coverage for private sector workers. The system aims to ensure workers' rights and provide retirement benefits similar to the public sector.
The significant growth in the security fund and the number of registered workers demonstrates the region's commitment to developing a comprehensive social safety net for its workforce.
The system's implementation is monitored through seven directorates, with penalties in place for non-compliant employers, calculated based on the number of workers and years of service.
Further reporting was done by Kurdistan24's Economy desk correspondent Yadigar Sadeeq.