Iraqi labor market braces for impact as Syrian workers consider returning home
Iraqi businesses have increasingly turned to Syrian labor due to their reputation for resilience and willingness to work for lower wages than their Iraqi counterparts.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The reliance on Syrian workers in Iraq's labor market faces uncertainty as the potential fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime and the intentions of some Syrians to return to their homeland could significantly impact employers.
Iraqi businesses have increasingly turned to Syrian labor due to their reputation for resilience and willingness to work for lower wages than their Iraqi counterparts. Many Syrian workers, often single and without familial responsibilities, are perceived as more flexible with work hours and able to handle demanding conditions.
“Syrian workers are more tolerant of working under pressure than Iraqi workers as most are unmarried, meaning they have more time to work. Additionally, their wages are lower than those of Iraqis,” explained Aws Wahab, the manager of a carpentry factory.
The influx of Syrians has been a boon for various industries, with local businessmen acknowledging their contribution to the workforce. However, the exact number of Syrians in Iraq remains unclear. In March, Syrian Ambassador to Iraq Sattam Jad’aan al-Dandah stated that while there were no official figures, local estimates placed the number of Syrians in Iraq between 300,000 and 400,000.
As political and social conditions evolve, Iraqi employers may face challenges in sustaining their operations should the Syrian workforce diminish, potentially leading to shifts in employment practices and wage structures across the country.
