The hiring of migrant workers from countries such as India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan in the construction sector has recently increased...

...They work for 10 hours a day without requesting breaks or food...

The competition between migrant workers and local workers is not a recent issue; its origins trace back to the 1980s when Egyptian laborers dominated the construction sector. At that time, many Iraqi workers were preoccupied with mandatory military service, which left a significant gap in the workforce...

Many citizens are increasingly choosing to hire migrant workers due to several compelling factors. These workers are known for their strong commitment, high efficiency, and the lack of tribal affiliations, which helps employers avoid the potential risks associated with tribal conflicts in the event of disputes...

Recent indicators reveal that the number of expatriate workers has risen to one million, many of whom are employed illegally. In contrast, the Ministry of Labor has reported that only 43,000 migrant workers are officially registered as of 2024...

According to experts, the lack of effective deterrent laws and clear regulations in the labor market has allowed the influence of migrant workers in Iraq to grow steadily...

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[Unofficial Arabic to English translation provided by the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre. The original is available in Arabic here.]