Baghdad:Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi has directed the stabilization of all contracts and temporary workers within the permanent staffing framework and the creation of 120,000 new job positions in the 2027 budget. This decision aims to provide employment opportunities across various sectors and governorates.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Prime Minister’s guidance is part of the government’s broader initiative to enhance job stability and address financial challenges. This includes ongoing parliamentary efforts to incorporate the seventh batch of social welfare assistance into the 2027 budget, with calls for the necessary actions to be coordinated with the government and the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.

Al-Zaidi led a meeting on Saturday to discuss details of the federal budget for 2027, attended by Deputy Prime Minister Mohammed Ali Tamim and Minister of Finance Faleh Sari. The Prime Minister emphasized the allocation of the necessary financial resources to ensure the implementation of the job creation and stabilization directives, which will be distributed fairly across provinces based on population percentages.

In related developments, Al-Zaidi highlighted ongoing efforts to manage the country’s currency exchange rate by increasing monthly cash dollar supplies from $140 million to $500 million, with plans to raise American cash shipments to over $1 billion monthly. The government aims to stabilize the exchange rate at 155,000 dinars or lower, ensuring benefits reach the citizens rather than speculators.

Additionally, in a meeting with the Minister of Finance, the President of the Arab Journalists Union, Moayad Al-Lami, discussed enhancing the support for journalists, artists, and writers through increased incentive bonuses in the 2027 budget. The Minister of Finance affirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting these groups to promote cultural and societal awareness.