Economist: Iraq Salary Reform Could Curb Corruption and Boost Productivity

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Economist Nassir al-Tamimi stated that proposed adjustments to Iraq’s salary scale serve as an administrative reform tool capable of reducing corruption and increasing institutional productivity. He argued that aligning compensation with job requirements, qualifications, and professional experience will improve employee performance and job satisfaction. A more balanced salary structure is expected to reduce labor turnover and limit administrative corruption often driven by low income levels. Al-Tamimi emphasized that the reform should be viewed as a mechanism to ensure equity in the public sector by narrowing the pay gap between different professional ranks. The primary challenge for the reform remains identifying sustainable financial resources to support salary adjustments without negatively impacting investment spending or the national budget deficit. Al-Tamimi noted that the initiative must be carefully managed to ensure fiscal stability while addressing systemic administrative imbalances.