Iraq's Interior Ministry promotes over 178,000 personnel, approves annual raise

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Interior Ministry has promoted more than 178,000 personnel and approved their annual salary increase under an administrative order issued by Deputy Minister Hussein al-Awadi on July 7, 2026. The ministry said the decision covered staff serving across its various units. In a statement, the ministry said the process was carried out under al-Awadi's direct oversight, with instructions issued to remove obstacles and accelerate procedures for eligible employees. It said the step aimed to safeguard the staff's legal entitlements and ensure payments are made in line with applicable regulations. The ministry described the promotion and raise as intended to reward personnel based on merit and to support job stability, while expressing appreciation for their role in maintaining national security and delivering services to citizens. It also said the move marked the largest single promotion and annual raise operation in the ministry's history, without elaborating further. No further details on the implementation timeline or budget impact were immediately available.