Iraq protesters close gov’t offices demanding jobs

Scores of temporary employees yesterday closed three government institutions in Dhi Qar Governorate, southern Iraq, to demand permanent contracts, Anadolu reported.

The agency quoted eyewitnesses as saying that dozens of employees who have been issued with temporary contracts closed the headquarters of the Dhi Qar Electricity Distribution, Dhi Qar Electricity Production and the South Electricity Transmission Directorate (SETD).

According to the witnesses, the protesters called on the region’s governor to implement Decision No. 315 issued by the government in 2019, which includes making them permanent employees, and granting them the rights and privileges enjoyed under such employment.

For over a month, the Iraqi central and southern governorates have been witnessing continuous protests against the government’s employment policy.

The Iraqi government says the 2021 budget suffers from a financial deficit due to the decline in oil prices in global markets, which prompted it to reduce its outgoings.

According to the Iraqi Ministry of Planning, the unemployment rate in the country stands at 27 per cent.

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