Private-Sector Employee
A contract can be written or oral, but employers must keep a written copy on file for the Ministry of Labour.
Iraqi Labour Law No. 37 of 2015 defines a worker broadly enough that an employment relationship can exist under a written or oral, explicit or implied contract. However, Article 37(1) requires employers to keep copies of written individual employment contracts available for the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. In practice, always ask for a written contract — it is the clearest evidence of your agreed wage, duties, and terms if a dispute ever arises.
Legal basis
Employment contracts may be written or oral, but employers must keep written contract copies available for the Ministry of Labour under Article 37(1).
Iraqi Labour Law No. 37 of 2015 — Article 37(1)
Source: Iraqi Labour Law No. 37 of 2015, Article 37(1)
Last verified: 13 Sept 2026
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