Credit: Raber Y. Aziz/IOM Iraq / 2019

Iraq

Country Fact Sheet

2019

DisclaimerIOM has carried out the gathering of information with great care. IOM provides information atits best knowledge and in all conscience. Nevertheless, IOM cannot assume to be heldaccountable for the correctness of the information provided. Furthermore, IOM shall not beliable for any conclusions made or any results, which are drawn from the information providedby IOM.

Funded by:

For further information please visit the information portal on voluntary return and reintegration ReturningfromGermany:

https://www.returningfromgermany.de/en/countries/iraq

I. CHECKLIST FOR VOLUNTARY RETURN1. Before the return2. After the return

II. HEALTH CARE1. General information2. Medical treatment and medication

III. LABOUR MARKET AND EMPLOYMENT1. General information2. Ways/assistance to find employment3. Unemployment assistance4. Further education and training

IV. HOUSING1. General Information2. Ways/assistance to find accommodation3. Social grants for housing

V. SOCIAL WELFARE1. General Information2. Pension system3. Vulnerable groups

VI. EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM1. General Information2. Cost, loans and stipends3. Approval and verification of foreign diplomas

VII. CONCRETE SUPPORT FOR RETURNEES1. Reintegration assistance programs2. Financial and administrative support3. Support to start income generating activities4. Virtual Counselling

VIII. CONTACT INFORMATION AND USEFUL LINKS1. International, Non-Governmental, Humanitarian Organizations2. Relevant local authorities 3. Services assisting with the search for jobs, housing, etc. 4. Medical Facilities5. Other Contacts

Before the Return

The returnee should

Request documents from the Germanauthorities that might be needed later (thiscan be either any document that proves theperson was a migrant in Germany orentitled to any type of assistance uponreturn).

Get information concerning the arrival atthe airport and the onward journey. Inaddition, the procedures of each airport inIraq differs from each other. The roads inIraq are accessible and connected from theNorthern part, to the central, and southernpart of Iraq. There have been noticeableimprovements in the security situation thathas enhanced transportation servicesbetween cities in Iraq, however there maystill be checkpoints along certain routes.

Bring the decision document that theperson is returning to Iraq, as well as thePassport and ID, and a valid traveldocumentation to re-enter the country.

Find temporary accommodation, e.g. inhotels in the city or stay with family orrelatives until a permanent residence isfound.

I. Checklist for Voluntary Return

After the Return

The returnee should

Register with relevant authorities.Returnees should renew their IDs anddocuments if lost as stated in the belowsection. There are some returnees whoprefer to register their names at theDirectorate of Displacement and Migrationin case there is future assistance from thegovernment.

Obtain the following documents afterreturn:

• National ID Card• Family Residency card• Food Ration Card• Driving License

If the documents and IDs are renewed, thereturnee is automatically registered forvaccination and social services. This alsoapplies for children and childcare services.

Visit the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairsif an application for a specific social serviceis wanted. This includes returnees who areliving with a disability or are unemployed.

Register children at a private or publicschool.

Credit: Raber Y. Aziz/IOM Iraq 2019

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2. Medical treatment and medication

Medical facilities and doctors:• The Central Medical Service, City of

Medicine - (Baghdad, Resafa, Babalmu'adam)• Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital - (Baghdad, Al-

Karkh, Al-Yarmouk Main St.)• Al-Khadimiya Hospital - (Baghdad, Al-

Kadhimiya)• Rizgary Teaching Hospital - (Erbil, Koya Rd.)• Azadi Teaching Hospital - (Duhok,

Nakhoshkhana Rd.)• The Central Medical Service, City of

Medicine - (Suliamani city center, Malik Mahmud St.)

• The Central Medical Service, - (Basra, Brad’ia)

• Al-Ta’alemy Hospital Al-Habboubi Hospital -(Nasserieh)

Procedure of admission:First, the patient should visit a clinic for thediagnosis. Based on the diagnosis, the patientwill be referred to other clinics or specialhospitals, if required.

Availability and costs of medication:Costs of medical services are determined bynumerous factors such as age, gender andresidence. The costs of medication differsdepending on the patient’s diagnoses. Ingovernment-run hospitals or clinics there is arisk that medication is subject to shortagesalthough should be available at a low cost.

II. Health Care

Health Care System: Access for Returnees

Eligibility and requirements:All Iraqi citizens have access to the health care systems as a public health insurance system is notavailable. The public hospitals and clinics charge lower amounts for medical check-ups and medicationcompared to the private sector; however, not all the health services are available in the public sectorin terms of screening and medication.The conflict may have affected health infrastructure.

Registration procedure:The returnee simply needs his/her Iraqi ID to confirm their identity and register at any medical clinicor hospital.

Required documents:Only the Iraqi ID is required for registration. For infants who are receiving vaccination a specificleaflet and checklist will be given to the parents who must provide it each time they visit the hospital.The leaflet is issued based on the information provided in the birth certificate of the infant and theIDs of the parents.

1. General Information

The Iraqi health system consists of both privateand public sector facilities. In general, theservices provided by the private sector may bebetter in quality, and there may be fewer waitingtime, but may be more expensive in price. Thepublic hospitals and clinics charge a minimalcost for medical check-ups and providemedication at a lower price compared to theprivate sector. However, not all health servicesare available in the public sector and there maybe waiting times particularly in larger cities orfor certain specializations. Most of theinfrastructure has been rehabilitated, and theavailability of services has been enhanced.However, in the recent liberated areas,infrastructure might still be affected. The qualityof care depends on whether the healthinfrastructure has been rehabilitated andrestored, and if doctors and nurses havereturned. All Iraqi citizens can access the healthcare system. A public health insurance system isnot available in the country. Certain companiesand organizations may have private healthinsurance schemes, that are provided toemployees and possibly their families. Theperson is only required to have a national ID toaccess the health care system.

Benefits:Medical costs and health services are notcovered by health insurance. The public sectorprovides medical services that are lower inprice compared to the private sector. Noexpenses are covered by the health insurance.

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1. General information

In general, the public sector has been a largesource of employment in previous years due tothe stable and regular nature of governmentjobs and benefits, including pension salaries.Recent rises in oil prices have also offered thegovernment a chance to invest in private sectordevelopment and support promising areas suchas agriculture and construction. Securityimprovements in Iraq have also facilitatedincreased private investment, including inshopping compounds, private education, andconstruction, with liberated areas in particularseeing more private investment and jobs beingcreated in areas such as tourism, entertainmentvenues, and shopping. Wages range between200 – 2500 USD per month, depending on skillsand education. The unemployment rate is nearly14%, according to Trading Economics.

2.Ways/assistance to find employment

The Ministry Of Labor and Social Affairsprovides employment centers in most cities.These centers are available within the GeneralDirectorate of Labor and Social Insurance.There are several online websites andrecruitment agencies that are popular. Theseinclude the following:

• http://erbilmanpower.com/• http://www.mselect.iq/• http://jobs.foras-iq.ta3mal.com/• http://www.ncciraq.org/en/

III. Labour Market and Employment

• http://www.aweza.co/jobs/• http://unjobs.org/duty_stations/iraq• https://www.bayt.com/ar/iraq/jobs• https://www.hawa.jobs• https://kodojobs.com• https://www.ses-iraq.com/• https://iraq.tanqeeb.com/

3. Unemployment assistance

General information on public and/or privateunemployment assistance:The government approved a program in Iraq toassist workers with wages of less than one USDper day and unemployed people. The state doesnot pay unemployment assistance at thenational level.

4. Further education and training

Vocational preparatory education is offered bythe Ministry of Education in Iraq and the KR-Iwith three-year programs through vocationalschools and institutes. There are additionally 38MoLSA training centers for continuingeducation. Specialized trainings are also availablethrough various ministries and regulating bodies:the Boards of Tourism in both Iraq and the KR-Ialso offer training for tourism and hospitality,while the Ministry of communications runs aHigher Institute for Communications and Post.Both the Ministry of Agriculture and theMinistry of Transport run training centers aswell, including 78 agricultural training centers.

Unemployment Assistance: Access for Returnees

Eligibility and requirements:The Iraqi government has developed a vocational training program to respond to the challenges ofhigh unemployment, under-skilled workforce and the needs of an emerging private sector.

Registration procedure:The returnee can visit the nearest MoLSA office to register and acquire about available assistance(job or training opportunities).

Required documents:The returnee should register at The MoLSA office and provide ID, Food Ration Card and additionaldocuments based on the assistance he/she wants to recevie (job or training).

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1. General Information

The price for rent depends on the location, sizeand the features of the house or apartment. Theprice of houses outside the city center is usuallylower compared to those closer to downtown.Rental costs in Iraq start from 200–750 USDfor two-bedroom houses (Year 2019). The pricefor houses or land is highly dependent onlocation, size and features thereof. Whereas thedemand for rent has increased, that for land haswaned. The approximate cost of utilities in Iraqper month is as follows:

• Gas (8,000 IQD)• Water (10-25,000 IQD)• Public electricity (30-50,000 IQD)• Private or generators (40-80,000 IQD)

After the war on the Islamic State of Iraq andthe Levant (ISIL) and liberation of the areasunder its control, internally displaced persons(IDPs) have increasingly been returning to theirplaces of origin. This in turn causes a slightdecrease in the price of rental fees. Notably, inIraq it is generally difficult for single men to renthouses. The procedures are easier with regardto apartments or studio apartments.

2. Ways/assistance to find accommodation

There are no public agencies that returnees cancontact for finding accommodation. Yet, privatereal estate agencies are available in most of theneighborhoods and cities.

3. Social grants for housing

The Iraqi government usually provides housingloans to citizens providing their own land that isnot smaller than 100 m². Loans are dependenton eligibility criteria for citizens, and the abilityto repay the loan. Currently the program is onhold in KRI. There are public and private banksthat provides loans to build houses, as follows:

• Al-Rasheed Bank• Al-Rafideen Bank• Iraqi Real Estate Bank• National Bank of Iraq• Iraqi Islamic Bank

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Credit: Raber Y. Aziz/IOM Iraq/2018

IV. Housing

1. General Information

The government provides some basic servicesto all individuals such as free education, basicfood items and health care in public hospitals.Assistance and welfare systems sometimesdiffer across different municipality andGovernorates. Iraq has a different social welfaresystem that might not fit the definitioncommonly used in European countries. Allcitizens of Iraq are entitled and automaticallyconsidered in the social welfare system,regardless of ethnicity or religion. Returnees arenot treated differently and will have the samerights as all citizens. The following categoriesmight be eligible for social welfare:• Disabled individuals• Families, including widows, of persons, who

were killed during their mission for thearmy

• Orphans

Each category has a set of different criteria.Depending on these criteria an individual case isaccepted or rejected. Vulnerable individuals withdisabilities who are deemed eligible and fit thecriteria, receive an amount of 150,000 IQDfrom the government as supervision pension.

For example, a person’s disability needs to be upto 70% to qualify for benefits. The percentage inturn varies depending on the type of disability.Assistance and welfare systems differ from onemunicipality to another.

Costs:No costs are incurred on part of the beneficiaryexcept for some small service fees.

2. Pension System

All employees in the public sector enter thepension system as soon as they are employedby the government. Employees can retire at theage of 65 after having served 25 years. InBaghdad, government employees can benefitfrom the pension system after having servedtheir institutions for 25 years or 15 years (incase of medical conditions) or at the age of 55.The pension salary is determined according tothe service year and the base salary. Someemployees in the private sector may receive apension stipend, which is managed by theiremployer.

Benefits:Only salary will be received; no further benefitsare received.

Costs:No costs incur on part of the beneficiaryexcept for some small service fees.

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V. Social Welfare (1/2)

Social Welfare System: Access for Returnees

Eligibility and requirements:The following categories might be eligible for social welfare: people with disabilities, family of martyrs(including widows) and orphans. Each category has a set of different criteria. Depending on thesecriteria an individual case is accepted or rejected.

Registration procedure:The registration takes place at the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs Offices after submitting allrequired documents. Cases are subject to review and approval.

Registration documents:The generally required documents include an Iraqi ID and Food Ration Card. The Ministry of Laborand Social Affairs will request documents based on the applicant’s vulnerability category.

3.Vulnerable Groups

Vulnerable individuals include orphans, elderly,family of martyrs, widows and people withdisabilities. Vulnerable groups are supported bythe government by receiving an allowance aftersubmitting documents that prove they belong toone of the aforementioned groups., and they fiteligibility criteria. Each group is required tosubmit different documents to prove criteriaunder this group. The Government will makethe decision on who is eligible and disburse thepayment.

Assistance for vulnerable persons:Vulnerable groups or individuals may receiveassistance in the form of an allowance.Additionally, a list of NGOs and organizationsthat can help vulnerable groups is available.

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V. Social Welfare (2/2)

Pension System: Access for Returnees

Eligibility and requirements:All employees in the public sector enter the governmental pension system. Public sector employeescan benefit from the pension system after having served for 25 years or 15 years in case of medicalcondition, at the age of 65.

Registration procedure:They need to bring an official retirement document from the institution they served in to the officeof pensions, including their ID. Then, they should follow up on the case till it is approved and furtherinstructions are given.

Registration documents:Personal documents such as ID and a form issued by the directorate, he/she was working at.

Insert Photo here

Credit: Raber Y. Aziz/IOM Iraq/2017

1. General Information

School starts at the age of six for boys and girls.In Iraq, primary school lasts for six years,secondary and high school for three, and collegefor four years.

2. Cost, loans and stipends

Public education is free of charge and no loansor stipends are necessary. For private schoolsand universities, the tuition fee varies from oneinstitution to another.

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Some private education institutions mightprovide discounts for orphans, families ofmartyrs and students with high grades, howeverthis depends on the institution and theirregulations. Returnees can contact and meetwith the institution of their choice and discussoptions of payments.

3. Approval and verification of foreigndiplomas

If the children of returnees from overseas havestudied in the host country, they need toundergo the following procedures to enroll inthe education system: First, they need to bringa certificate from the school they have attendedin the host country. The certificate must beconfirmed and certified by the Iraqi Embassy inthe host country, Ministry of Education/Ministry of Higher Education, and the Ministryof Foreign Affairs. Prospective students mustofficially equalize their high school certificationthrough the Ministry of Higher Educations’Directorate of Exams. Applicants will receivethe equivalent of a Baccalaureate score.Additionally, applicants must provide a copy oftheir passport (including visa and residencyinformation, if necessary). Private schoolsdemand additional tests and procedures.

VI. Educational System

Educational System: Access and Registration Procedure for Returnees

The individual are required to provide the following documents to the institution they want toregister for:

• ID of the child and parents• Food Ration Card• Personal Photos

If the child/student has studied abroad and has obtained certificates, these need to be confirmed bythe Iraqi Embassy in the host country and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and officially equalized.

Educational Level Age

e.g. Child care / nursery school 0 – 3

e.g. Kindergarten 3 – 5

Primary Level

e.g. Elementary School 6 – 12

Secondary Level

e.g. Middle School 13 – 15

e.g. High School 16 – 18

Higher Education

e.g. College, University, etc. From 19

1. Reintegration assistance programs

• International Organization for Migration -AVRR Program

• ETTC - European Technology and TrainingCentre (provides training for returnees andlocal job seekers)

2. Financial and administrative support

There are some NGOs and charity groups thatprovide help to the people in need.• CHF International -Vitas• GROFIN Iraq• ICRC – Iraq

3. Support to start income generatingactivities

The following institutions could support withproviding loans:

Bright Future InstitutionIt offers loans ranging from 500 USD to 10,000USD with a 7% interest rate. Thereimbursement period is 1 year.Address: Zaniari (next to Dedawan Bank), Erbil;Phone: +964 (0) 750 984 6497

Al-Thiqa BankThis institution offers loans ranging from 500USD to 5,000 USD for a period of 12 monthsand an interest rate of 12%.

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VII. Concrete Support for Returnees

Address: 60 meter road (next to Faruqrestaurant); Phone: +964 (0) 66 253 1290

CHF International -Vitas IraqIt offers loans to start businesses, for homeimprovements and special needs.Phone : +964 7717 909192E-mail: info@vitasiraq.com

4.Virtual Counselling

Talk to an IOM friend!

The pilot project Virtual Counselling offersmigrants living in Germany voluntary return andreintegration counselling, virtually via onlinecommunications tools, for nine countries oforigin. Counselling takes place in the migrant´snative language through Whatsapp, Skype, andViber. A counselling session can take placeduring specified counselling hours or uponappointment.

Virtual counselling is always anonymous,individual, and unbiased.

Migrants interested in returning to Iraq candirectly contact IOM staff in Baghdad, Erbil andBasrah, via Whatsapp,Viber, and Skype to receiveindividual information about country specificreintegration opportunities.

Credit: Raber Y. Aziz/IOM Iraq/2018

International, Non-Governmental, Humanitarian Organizations

IOMAddress: Baghdad – Al-Karkh, Karadat MaryamAddress: Erbil - Gulan St. off Baharka streetTel.: +964 750 386 3506 / +964 771 853 8875Email: iomiraq@iom.intInternet: http://iomiraq.net/

UNHCRInternet: http://www.unhcr.org/iraq.html

UNICEFAddress: International Zone UNAMI compoundEmail: baghdad@unicef.orgInternet: https://www.unicef.org/iraq/

WFPAddress: International Zone UNAMI compoundTel.: +964-780-915-0950 - +964-780-915-6198Email: cristina.graziani@wfp.orgInternet: http://www1.wfp.org/countries/iraq

Relief InternationalEmail: info@ri.orgInternet: https://www.ri.org/reach/middle-east/iraq

Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)Tel.: +964-770-462-0875Internet: https://www.nrc.no/countries/middle-east/iraq/

Save the Children – IraqEmail: supportercare@savechildren.orgInternet: https://iraq.savethechildren.net/

International Rescue CommitteeEmail: advocacy@Rescue.orgInternet: http://www.rescue.org/iraq

Islamic ReliefEmail: irw@irworldwide.orgInternet: http://www.islamic-relief.org/category/where-we-work/iraq/

World Health Organization (WHO)Internet: http://www.iraqfoundation.org/

QandilInternet: http://www.qandil.org/

ACTEDInternet: http://www.acted.org/en/iraq

ETTCAddress: Erbil - NewrozAddress: Baghdad – Resafa – Palestine St.+964-750-727-9095 – +964-750-331-7001

Alamal AssosciationAddress: Baghdad - Resafa – Karada -Dakhel - Watheq St.Tel.: +964-790-191-9285Internet: http://www.iraqi-alamal.org/

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VIII. Contact Information and Useful Links (1/4)

Relevant local authorities (employment offices, health/pension insurances etc. )

MoLSAErbil - close to city centerBaghdad - Resafa - Al-Wazerya - Near to Al-Nedaa Masjed

Vocational training center - MOLSABasra - Hayania - Hay AlhusseinThi Qar - Nassrieh - Hay ShumokhPhone: +964-7703-199-900 - +964-790-191-7921

Central employment department, Basa GovernorateBasra, Basra city, Basra governorate.Email: basrajobscv@gmail.com

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VIII. Contact Information and Useful Links (2/4)

Services assisting with the search for jobs, housing, etc.

Al-Khadamat Office for EmploymentAddress: Baghdad – Karadah Karij, Al-Masbah St, Near TBI BankTel.: +964-790-135-6484

Al-Ranin Office for EmploymentAddress: Baghdad – Resafa, Baghdad Al-Jidia, Near Al-Numaan RestuarantTel.: +964-773-337-0293Email: alraneen.com@gmail.com

Rabar Real EstateAddress: Erbil - Vetal cityTel: +964-7500-441-0106

Erbil Man PowerTel: +964-770-144-9000

International, Non-Governmental, Humanitarian Organizations

Yazda Organization (Global Yazidi Organization)Address: Dahuk - Malta, Sozdar Road, Behind Aland MotelTel.: 06-2762-4434 – +964-750-419-0169Internet: www.yazda.orgE-mail: info@yazda.org

Jiyan Foundation for Human Rights offers psychosocial servicesTel.: +964-750-737-5111Internet: https://www.jiyan-foundation.org

Sarah Center for Psychosocial servicesAddress: Basra - city center, Hay Al-Kafa’at

CDO (CIVIL DEPELOPMENT ORGANIZATION)Address: Sulaimani - Parki Azadi, Near Amna Surak Musiam, 92 Khak SDTel.: +964-770-241-4041 - 05-3320-6703Email: madaniatcdo@yahoo.comInternet: www.cdo-iraq.org

Medical Facilities

Madinat Al-Tib (Baghdad Medical City)Address: Baghdad - Resafa, Bab AlMuadam

Al-Yarmook HospitalAddress: Baghdad – Karkh, Al-Yarmook main St. Near Qahtan Sq.

Par Hospital (private)Address: Erbil - 60 m near to Medya Diagnostic Center Tel: 06-6210-7001

Ibn Al-Nafis HospitalAddress: Baghdad – Resafa, Al-Sadoon St. Near alsadoonpark

Maternity Hospital (governmental)Address: Erbil - ShorshTel: +964-750-326-2486

Arvin Medical ComplexAddress: Duhok - Malta, Opposite to Karzan oil stationTel.: +964-750-796-3474Internet: www.facebook.com/arvinclinics

Al-Haboubi HospitalAddress: Thi Qar - Nassrieh

Al-Hussein Al-T’aleme HospitalAddress: Al-Muthana - Simawa

Saint Raphael (AlRahibat) HospitalAddress: Baghdad, Resafa, AlKarada, off Abu Nweas StTel: +964 771-111-9280

Faruk Medical City Address: Sulymaniah, Malik Mahmud Ring Road Tel.: +964-770-900-0000

AlAddress: Thi Qar - Nassrieh

Al-HusseinAddress: Al-Muthana

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VIII. Contact Information and Useful Links (3/4)

Services assisting with the search for jobs, housing, etc.

Al-Saraf OfficeAddress: Baghdad - Resafa, BaladyatTel: +964-771-545-8572

Hikmat Nizarki Estate BureauAddress: Dahuk - Shele St., in front of Yasmeen hotelTel.: +964-750-458-4293

Azhy Real-EstateAddress: Sulaimani - Bakrajo Taza, Sub district, beside Bakrajo Taza SchoolTel: +964-770-159-6868

AL-Rubayee Real EstateAddress: Basra - Shat Al-Arab, Al-Jazira, main roadTel.: +964-770-900-3100

For further information please visit the information portal on voluntary return and reintegration ReturningfromGermany:

https://www.returningfromgermany.de/en/countries/iraq

Other Contacts (e.g. NGOs for women and children, microcredit-lending)

H.O.W.AAddress: SulaimaniTel.: +964-770-191-8070Email: naska_mahamad@yahoo.com

SabatAddress: SulaimaniTel.: +964-770-145-9036Email: sabat_sh@yahoo.com

AsudaTel.: 05-3318-3149Internet: www.asuda.krd

WEOAddress: Erbil - Marshimoni St. AnkawaTel.: +964-750-195-0183Internet: https://weoiraq.org/

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VIII. Contact Information and Useful Links (4/4)