Iraq’s Ministry of Planning said on Friday that the implementation of a unified salary scale is facing financial and legislative hurdles, noting that revised estimates have been prepared for the funds required to introduce the system.
Deputy Minister Maher Hamad Juhan told the official news agency, as reported by the Iraqi Press, that the proposed salary structure would require additional funding to raise the salaries of employees in grades six to ten. He said the country’s current financial situation does not allow the government to absorb the additional costs, particularly as annual increments and promotions remain suspended pending the approval of the budget.
Juhan explained that special legislation granting additional benefits to employees in several government institutions, including the ministries of Education, Foreign Affairs, and Electricity, presents a legal challenge that would require legislative amendments.
He stressed that the main differences in employee compensation stem from allowances rather than nominal salaries, with allowances potentially reaching twice the basic salary. The official confirmed that the committee had increased its cost estimates for implementing the unified scale, while stating that the current circumstances are not suitable for revising the system. The final decision will rest with the government and the Council of Representatives.
