Key Provisions of the Workers' Retirement and Social Security Law

In implementation of the curriculum approved by our university presidency to professionally prepare students for entering the labor market, the Dean's Office of the Technical Engineering College—in cooperation with the Provincial Federation of Trade Unions, as well as the Departments of University Psychological Guidance and Student Activities, and under the supervision of the Acting Dean of the College, Lecturer Dr. Ali Jawad Kazim—organized an educational seminar titled "Key Provisions of the Workers' Retirement and Social Security Law" at 12:00 PM on Monday, November 24, 2025. The seminar featured the participation of Mr. Majid Abu Kulal, Coordinator for the International Labour Organization (ILO) in the Governorate.

The seminar addressed the most prominent provisions of the law, including optional retirement, which offers workers in the informal sector the opportunity to enroll and make monthly contributions to secure a lifelong retirement pension. It also outlined the retirement eligibility criteria, which define specific age and service duration requirements, noting variations between male and female workers. Furthermore, the seminar highlighted employer obligations, stipulating that employers are legally bound to pay prescribed contributions for all workers, with contribution rates calculated based on the nature of the industry (oil vs. non-oil sectors) and the worker's nationality (Iraqi vs. foreign).

Regarding retirement benefits, the seminar reviewed how subscribers are entitled to a pension calculated at a rate of 2% for each year of service under a defined benefit system. On social protection, the law aims to achieve social justice, foster solidarity, and ensure psychological and financial stability for workers, retirees, and their families in cases of disability, incapacity, old age, or death.

The seminar was attended by Mr. Adil Sadoun Al-Jibouri, President of the Provincial Federation of Trade Unions; Mr. Riyadh Mohammed Kazim, Vice President of the Federation; Mr. Ibrahim Karim Radi, President of the Agricultural Syndicate; Mr. Mohammed Hamza Al-Mousawi, President of the Engineering Technicians Syndicate; Ms. Reeham Majid Jassim, President of the Textile and Weaving Syndicate; Mr. Sa'eed Mayah Ja'az, President of the Transport and Communications Syndicate; and Mr. Mohammed Hatim Alwan, President of the Barbers' Syndicate.