Tag Archives | reforms

Can Iraqi PM's Promises Calm Popular Anger?

By Ali Mamouri for Al-Monitor. Any opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News.  Can Iraqi PM's Promises Calm Popular Anger? Mass protests erupted early Friday morning in most of southern Iraq's major cities, including Baghdad, Basra, Najaf, Karbala and Nasiriyah. In Baghdad, protesters began gathering and organizing […]

SMEs to be Tax Free for 10 Years

By John Lee. The Iraqi Government has said it will exempt small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) from income tax for ten years. In a statement, it said: "The government announced a draft amendment to Income Tax Law No. 113 of  1982 to exempt several groups on low-income from paying income tax. "The proposed amendment also […]

Iraqi Govt to Lower Retirement Age

By John Lee. The Iraqi Government has announced a reduction in the retirement age. In a statement, it said: "The Iraqi government is also proposing amending Retirement Law number (9) of 2014 to include:  Reducing the retirement age for all state employees to 60 years, except for those working in the university sector where the […]

61 Iraqi Officials Sacked over Protests

The Iraqi cabinet has sacked 61 officials over recent protests that killed more than 100 people and injured thousands earlier this month, Anadolu reports. Leaked documents obtained by Anadolu Agency showed that the decision was taken during a cabinet meeting on Oct. 14. Protests rocked the capital Baghdad and southern provinces earlier this month against […]

Iraqi Cabinet to Help Young Entrepreneurs

By John Lee. The Iraqi cabinet has said it will simplify company registration procedures for young entrepreneurs (aged 18-35 years), and exempt them from any associated fees. It has also announced that it will provide unemployed graduates and others wishing to start manufacturing projects with free training and support to start their projects. The new […]

Govt Promises More Jobs and Houses

Summary of government measures to boost employment, address housing shortage and support low-income groups Prime Minister Adil Abd Al-Mahdi on Sunday chaired a meeting of the High Committee for the Distribution of Land. The Committee reviewed preparations for the distribution of plots of land to low-income groups in Iraqi provinces, and the allocation of more […]

Video: Will Protesters in Iraq get what they want?

From Al Jazeera. Any opinions expressed are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Fed up with years of corruption, unemployment and a lack of basic services, tens of thousands of Iraqis are taking to the streets to protest for a better future. Security forces have responded […]

Iraq’s 'Youth Bulge' will Change the Country

This article was originally published by Niqash. Any opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. By Mustafa Habib. The protests that shook Iraq are winding down. But younger Iraqis remain determined and the generation gap that’s developing will have an impact for years to come. […]

As Protests Explode, Iraq Must Get Serious about Reform

By Bilal Wahab, for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Any opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. As Protests Explode, Iraq Must Get Serious About Reform While Washington focuses on getting Baghdad to rein in militias and end its dependency on Iranian energy, […]

Iraq’s Young Protestors ‘Have Nothing Left To Lose’

This article was originally published by Niqash. Any opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. By Mustafa Habib. Anti-government protests in Baghdad were led by the younger generation, one that has grown up under military rule, lived a more liberal life online and is now […]

Cabinet Responds to Protests with New Initiatives

By John Lee. The Cabinet has met in Baghdad under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi and discussed the recent protests, announcing a series of measures on housing, employment and support for low-income groups. According to a statement from the Government, the latest measures include: Those injured during recent protests will receive free medical […]

Following Protests, Govt Announces Minimum Income Guarantee

By John Lee. Following days of protests in which dozens of people are reported to have been killed, Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi has outlined measures that he says will increase support for low-income families, create new employment opportunities for graduates, tackle corruption and expedite reforms. According to a statement from the Government, the measures include: […]