Iraq Labour Ministry denies social protection benefits have been cut

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs has rejected reports that some categories of beneficiaries have been removed from the country's social protection assistance programme. The ministry said social protection benefits continue to be disbursed to eligible recipients under approved legal regulations and that claims of category removals do not reflect the truth. The statement comes as posts circulating on social media platforms have alleged changes to the programme's coverage or that certain groups have been excluded from aid. The ministry said no measures have been taken outside the framework of current legislation and that the continuity of benefits for those who qualify is being maintained. Officials reminded the public that the programme's purpose is to support households in need and urged Iraqis to rely only on official channels for information about eligibility and payments. The ministry did not specify which categories had been mentioned in the disputed reports, and no further details were immediately available.