DUBAI, UAE - Iraqi Ministry of Interior announced Wednesday it will begin adjusting the legal status of Syrian, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani workers who entered the country through the Kurdistan Region, starting November 25. The ministry said those found to be involved in smuggling, harboring, or illegally employing foreign workers will be referred to the judiciary.

Miqdad Miri, the ministry’s spokesperson, said in a video briefing that the policy follows Cabinet Decision No. 24832 of 2024, which addresses the legal status of foreign workers in Iraq. “The decision applies to Syrian, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani workers in Baghdad and other provinces who entered through the Kurdistan Region,” Miri said.

Applications will be processed through the government’s Ur platform, he added, warning that individuals involved in the illegal smuggling or employment of foreign workers will face prosecution.

The new policy is set to remain in effect until December 25, 2024.

Iraq has been struggling with a significant increase in unlicensed foreign labor, particularly from Syria.

In August, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs referred to foreign labor as a “serious issue” and warned of strict measures against violators. According to Kadhim al-Atwani, the ministry’s media director, many workers, especially Syrians, enter through the Kurdistan Region, often with minimal supervision or required legal documentation.

The ministry issued a deadline of September 1 for employers with undocumented foreign workers to adjust their status or face legal consequences. Atwani noted that inspection teams are conducting regular checks at factories and businesses, which have led to the deportation of many unlicensed workers and penalties against non-compliant companies.

In August, Iraq’s Committee on Labor and Civil Society Organizations echoed concerns over the continued influx of undocumented workers, often entering via Kurdistan through unauthorized channels.

Committee member Amir al-Mamouri called for increased cooperation between the federal government and the Region’s authorities to prevent illegal entry and restrict movement to designated areas. He added that unlicensed foreign labor is impacting job availability for young Iraqis.