Immigrants in Iraq
Iraq has been home to immigrants for centuries, with waves of migration occurring throughout its history. In recent years, however, Iraq has also been a destination for immigrants from neighboring countries, particularly Syria and Iran, due to political unrest, economic instability, and conflict in those countries.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), there were over 348,000 registered refugees and asylum seekers in Iraq as of September 2023, with the majority coming from Syria (over 262,000) and the rest from Iran, Turkiye, and other countries. These individuals are mainly located in camps and urban areas in the Kurdish Region of Iraq and Baghdad.
In addition to refugees and asylum seekers, there are also a significant number of migrant workers in Iraq, particularly from neighboring countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal, and India. These workers are often employed in the construction and oil industries and face challenges such as exploitation, poor working conditions, and limited access to healthcare.
Iraq also has a sizeable population of internally displaced persons (IDPs), who are Iraqi citizens who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict and insecurity. As of September 2021, there were over 1.4 million IDPs in Iraq, with many living in camps and informal settlements.
Overall, immigrants in Iraq face significant challenges, including limited access to basic services, discrimination, and insecurity. The Iraqi government, in partnership with international organizations and NGOs, is working to improve the situation for these individuals, but much more needs to be done to address their needs and protect their rights.
