The Iraqi Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs said on Monday that approving the Supreme Council for Vocational and Technical Training Law is one of the key priorities before Parliament, stressing that the law could create more opportunities for Iraqi workers.
Huda Sajjad said in a statement followed by dinaropinions.com that unemployment in Iraq has become a major issue that cannot be solved through traditional methods alone. She explained that one of the biggest challenges is the growing number of foreign workers entering Iraq legally and illegally, taking jobs that could go to Iraqi citizens.
According to Sajjad, many foreign workers accept wages and work conditions that local workers often refuse, making competition in the labor market even more difficult for Iraqis.
She said the ministry’s role is to support and encourage skilled Iraqi workers based on the needs of the local market. However, she noted that transferring vocational training centers from the Ministry of Labor to local governorates under amendments to the Governorates Law weakened the ministry’s ability to organize and manage workforce training.
Sajjad called for returning the vocational training centers to the ministry so it can create training programs suited to the needs of each province, whether in agriculture, industry, oil, tourism, trade, or technical sectors.
She also stressed the importance of passing the Supreme Council for Vocational and Technical Training Law, saying it would help people without academic certificates gain professional skills and qualifications. According to her, the law could open paths for vocational education, university studies, or specialized practical experience.
Sajjad added that Iraq’s private sector is willing to support factories and industry but needs skilled and professionally trained workers. She said vocational training centers are essential for preparing that workforce, while the current administrative structure makes planning and coordination more difficult between the ministry and local governments.
