Iraq Federal Service Council outlines draft law to create 150,000 public posts

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Federal Service Council has shared details of a draft law aimed at graduates who completed their studies five or more years ago, Council spokesman Fadil Gharawi told the state news agency. The legislation, submitted on the initiative of members of parliament, would create 150,000 new positions within the 2026 budget and remove existing distinctions in the appointment process. Under the draft, authority over hiring of long-term graduates would be consolidated in the Federal Service Council, a step officials described as reinforcing equality, transparency and equal opportunity. The Council said it held meetings with representatives of the affected graduates and is pursuing legal and administrative solutions to their situation. Officials stressed that appointments would be tied to a legal basis, approved staffing allocations and corresponding financial provisions. The Federal Service Council added that it treats all graduates equally, regardless of their field of specialization.