The number of foreigners coming to the Kurdistan Region for employment reasons is constantly increasing, according to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
This is attributed to the country’s open-door policy, which includes streamlining work visa applications and guaranteeing foreigners’ safety, VisaGuide.World reports.
The director of the Labor Directorate for Social Security of Foreign Workers, Farid Ali Haider, told Kurdistan24 that KRG obligates employers to sign a pledge that includes 19 terms.
Under this pledge, employers are required to provide workers with accommodation and be able to communicate in a language that foreign workers understand. Among other conditions, the pledge requires companies to pay workers on time.
Restaurant and hotel owners, in particular, must ensure the health and social security of their workers, as worker complaints are taken seriously by the KRG, which is committed to protecting the rights of all workers and tourists in the Kurdistan Region.
Haider further explained that offices and private-sector companies can apply for foreign workers while larger enterprises can apply for multiple workers as long as they comply with the requirements set by the Labor and Residency Directorate.
Haider also revealed that due to the high number of applications and transactions, KRG is planning to digitize work visa processing.
Foreign Workers Feel Comfortable Working In Kurdistan, Oficial Says
Among other things, Haider said that overseas workers feel comfortable working in Kurdistan Region and also integrate into the country due to the stable working environment.
Many workers renew their employment contracts and wish to stay in Erbil, proudly considering Kurdistan as a home for the underprivileged and victims.
Furthermore, Haider explained that KRG has a specialized committee that investigates potential work-related incidents, including burns, traffic accidents, illness, and death. He said that after completing the investigation, KRG informs the foreigner’s consulate to streamline the repatriation.
If a company neglects its responsibility to ensure the worker’s health, it will face severe penalties under the law.
Kurdistan Region Granted Visa-Free Travel to 53 Countries Earlier This Year
In addition to facilitating work visa applications, KRG introduced a visa-free travel policy for 53 countries worldwide earlier this year.
Most of the countries that were granted visa-free are located in Europe, followed by Asia, North America and Oceania.
This decision is closely related to the government’s plan to increase tourism, as the KRG aims to attract 20 million visitors by 2030.