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 College of Education—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 Associate Dean, Lecturer Dr. Rateb Rahim Khadar Al-A'ajibi—organized an educational seminar titled "New Entitlements under the Retirement and Social Security Law for Workers." The keynote presentation was delivered by Mr. Riyadh Mohammed Kazim, Vice President of the Federation.
The seminar highlighted that the Iraqi Workers' Retirement and Social Security Law No. 18 of 2023 grants new benefits to private-sector workers, including entitlement to retirement pensions, paid sick and maternity leaves, and free healthcare services. Furthermore, the law enables self-employed individuals and freelancers to register under optional social security and qualify for a retirement pension upon reaching the legal retirement age (63 years for men and 58 years for women) with a minimum service period of 15 years, noting that the retirement age can be reduced in exchange for additional years of service.
Additionally, workers are entitled to benefits in the event of work-related injuries or physical disabilities, along with paid sick leave and free medical care. Private-sector female workers are granted paid maternity leave and free healthcare during pregnancy and postpartum periods. The law also permits workers to purchase non-covered service periods or add previously uninsured labor service to qualify for a retirement pension. Moreover, self-employed individuals—such as taxi drivers and street vendors—can enroll in optional social security to secure a pension upon reaching the statutory age.
The seminar was attended by Mr. Adil Sadoun Abbas Al-Jibouri, President of the Provincial Federation of Trade Unions; Mr. Majid Abu Kulal, Coordinator for the International Labour Organization (ILO) in the Governorate; 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.
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