Employment and Immigration

Employment

Corporates

Managing employment challenges effectively requires a clear understanding of the full employment lifecycle and recognition that employees are among the most valuable assets of any organization. At Al-Nesoor, we help clients balance legal obligations with the need to maintain a productive and efficient workplace.

Our team combines legal expertise with practical business awareness tailored to the employer’s industry, operational needs, and corporate culture. We assist employers across a broad range of sectors and industries.

Individuals

We assist individuals in securing the best possible terms when entering into new employment, accepting promotions, or negotiating changes to their roles. Our employment team helps clients understand their rights and reduce the risk of costly and time-consuming disputes.

Throughout every stage of employment, Al-Nesoor provides legal, technical, and commercial support. We also advise on workplace policies, confidentiality obligations, restrictive covenants, and related employment protections.

Where possible, we seek practical and efficient resolutions through negotiation and settlement. However, where disputes cannot be resolved amicably, we take firm action to protect our clients’ interests before the competent authorities and courts.

How We Can Help

At Al-Nesoor, we provide comprehensive advice in Iraq on the following:

• Coverage of enterprises in accordance with the Retirement and Social Security Law No. 39 of 1971.
• Payment of employer and employee contributions for personnel registered with the Retirement and Social Security Department.
• Issuance and organization of employment identification and related personnel documentation.
• Regulatory coordination and registration procedures for projects before the relevant authorities.
• Review of project contracts and labor-related contribution requirements.
• End-of-service procedures and settlement of employee entitlements.
• Payroll-related procedures and workforce administration support.
• Organization of work permits for foreign employees.
• Organization of industrial leave and related procedures for industrial enterprises.
• Closure and liquidation procedures for enterprises before the Retirement and Social Security Department.

The primary law governing employment in the private sector in Federal Iraq is Labour Law No. 37 of 2015, which replaced Law No. 71 of 1987.

Other relevant sources of law include:

• the Retirement and Social Security Law No. 39 of 1971, as amended;
• the Civil Code No. 40 of 1951, as amended; and
• the Penal Code No. 111 of 1969, as amended.

Immigration

We provide clear and practical guidance on immigration matters in Iraq and assist clients with a wide range of issues, from entry clearance and residency to business visas and immigration support for investors, entrepreneurs, and foreign personnel.

Residence of company employees in Iraq

We provide comprehensive residency and visa support for employees of international companies operating in Iraq. We work directly with the Directorate of Residency at the Ministry of Interior and assist clients throughout the process, from obtaining invitations and entry visas to securing residency. We streamline the process so our clients can focus on their operations with peace of mind.