Iraq is a country in the Middle East region bordered by Turkey, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Syria. Iraq’s economy is driven by the oil sector, and the country is taking steps to facilitate an entrepreneurial atmosphere and make it easier to do business there.

Te minimum wage in Iraq is around IQD 518,000 per month, with a workweek of 40 hours per week (maximum of 48 per week). Employees must be granted at least 24 hours per week for rest. Overtime is paid at 150%-200% of the regular salary, and has a maximum of 120 hours per year.

Parental Leave

Pregnant employees in Iraq can take a minimum of 72 days of paid maternity leave. While there is no provision for paternity leave, either parent can take 3 days of unpaid leave each year to care for a child under the age of 6.

Sick Leave

Employees can take up to 30 days of paid sick leave each year, as long as they can show medical proof. Employees are able to take another 180 days if still sick that are covered by social security.

Paid Leave

Iraq has 14 public holidays, and employees can take at least 20 days of paid time off each year that are accrued each month. Employees can also request leave for bereavement, marriage, and a few others.

Process

Employers can terminate an employment contract for reasons of resignation, mutual agreement, contract expiration, extensive illness, company closure.

Notice Period

The notice period for termination is at least 30 days, with notice in writing. Employees can resign as long as they provide 30 days notice as well (if an employee resigns without notice they might have to pay the employer a monetary equivalent of the notice period).

Severance Pay

Severance pay is usually calculated as 2 weeks of wages for each year of service.

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