Baghdad: The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has concluded a preparatory workshop aimed at launching a comprehensive awareness campaign for promoting voluntary social security among workers. The initiative is set to roll out in the regions of Baghdad, Basra, and Nineveh in September. The workshop saw active participation from ministry staff and social partners, underscoring the collaborative effort needed to expand social protection coverage.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Undersecretary of the Ministry for Labor Affairs, Khalid Amjad Al-Saigh, expressed the ministry’s commitment to this joint endeavor with the IOM. Al-Saigh highlighted the campaign’s objective to transition from theoretical discussions on social security to practical outreach efforts. This includes deploying field teams and utilizing media and digital platforms to inform workers directly at their workplaces, thereby encouraging registration and use of social security services.
Osama Al-Khafaji, Director General of the Department of Labor and Vocational Training, emphasized the campaign’s focus on educating workers about the benefits of social security. The initiative also seeks to streamline access to social protection services and support the formalization of the labor market, thereby contributing to a more organized and regulated employment environment.
Kadhim Al-Atwani, Director General of the Department of Media and Arab and International Relations, pointed out the critical role of media training alongside ministerial field team preparations. This dual approach is intended to ensure consistent messaging and enhance the teams’ capacity to engage effectively with target audiences. Al-Atwani stressed the importance of adopting tailored communication strategies to maximize outreach and inform workers about their rights and the advantages of enrolling in the voluntary social security system.
The upcoming campaign will feature a blend of field and digital activities, including awareness booths in public spaces and mobile outreach teams, as well as online registration options for voluntary social security. This multifaceted approach aims to reach a broad audience and facilitate greater understanding and participation in social security initiatives.