COUNTRY FACT SHEET IRAQ

COUNTRY FACT SHEET IRAQ (August 2014) Disclaimer IOM has carried out the gathering of information with great care. IOM provides information at its best knowledge and in all conscience. Nevertheless, IOM cannot assume to be held accountable for the correctness of the information provided. Furthermore, IOM shall not be liable for any conclusions made or any results, which are drawn from the information provided by IOM.

TABLE OF CONTENTS I. GENERAL INFORMATION... 3 1. ID card... 3 2. Food ration card... 4 3. Copy of birth certificate... 4 II. MEDICAL CARE... 5 1. Health system... 5 2. Medical Infrastructure: Number of Hospitals... 5 III. HOUSING... 12 1. Housing Space and Rental Costs... 12 2. Access to Public Services... 13 3. Legal Advice: Restitution of Property, Right of Abode... 14 IV. EMPLOYMENT... 15 1. Labour Market Situation... 15 2. Placement Service... 16 3. Vocational Training... 16 V. EDUCATION... 17 1. Educational System and Infrastructure... 17 2. Approval and Verification of Foreign Diplomas... 18 3. Necessary Documents for Returning Pupils/Students... 18 4. Costs, Loans and Stipends... 18 VI. VULNERABLE PERSONS... 18 VII. USEFUL LINKS... 19 2

I. GENERAL INFORMATION 1. ID card Present either of the following documents to the city council manager or the district commissioner: - family residency card - food ration card - nationality certificate or nationality certificate of the returnee s father - ID card of the returnee s father - To issue ID card for children, their birth certificate would be required - previous ID Card (if renewal) Note: The identity card stamp has been changed by the government, and according to this the citizens should renew identities. In the 3 northern governorates: The Department of civil affairs is in charge of identity documents. Contact details of the Department of civil affairs: Location Address phone number Erbil Mosel Street, near the courthouse / Opposite Dawa2 Restaurant 066 257 80 05 Erbil East Civil Status office is near the KOK Supermarket 600 404 71 71 Dahuk Opposite the Dahuk police station 72.21.513 Sulaimaniya Near Palace Hotel 31.30.440 In Baghdad: Al Karkh Side of Baghdad Directorates: Al Karkh Affairs Directorate (AL-Nisoor Sq., in front of Saddam's tower) Al Mansour Affairs Directorate (AL-Ma'moon street, near Saddam's tower) Al-Khadhimiyah Abu Ghraib Al-Tajji Al-Nasir Wal- Salam Al-Tarmiyah Affairs Directorate (Al-Kadhimiyah district, ADUN Sq.) Affairs Directorate (Abu-Ghraib district, west of Baghdad 25 km) Affairs Directorate (Al-TAJJI district, north of Baghdad 20 km) Affairs directorate (Al-Nasir wal-salam region, near AL-Karkh cemetery west of Baghdad 30 km) Affairs Directorate (AL-TARMIYAH district, north of Baghdad 40 km) Al-Mahmodiyah Affairs Directorate (AL-MAHMODIYAH district, south of Baghdad 25 km) Al-Rasheed Affairs Directorate (AL-RASHEED region, south of Baghdad 15 km) Al-Yousifiyah Affairs Directorate (Al-YOUSIFIYAH region, south of Baghdad 20 km) Al-Latifiyah Affairs Directorate (AL-Latifiyah region, south of Baghdad 50 km) 3

In Baghdad: Al Risafa Side of Baghdad Directorates: Al-Risafa Affairs Directorate (Karadah district, AL-SINAA street 52 Al-A'dhamiyah Al-Sader Al-Karradah Al- Sharqiyah Baghdad Al- Jadeeda Al-Mada'in Al-Jisir Affairs Directorate (AL-A'DHAMIYAH district, AL-MAGHRIB street intersection) Affairs Directorate (AL-SADER district, Mudhafar Sq.) Affairs Directorate (The same building of Al-Risafa affairs directorate, each directorate in a separate floor) Affairs Directorate (The same building of Al-Risafa affairs directorate, each directorate in a separate floor) Affairs Directorate (AL-MADA'IN district, AL-MADA'IN main street, in front of AL-MADAI'N city council) Affairs Directorate (JISIR DAYALA district, adjacent to JISIR DAYALA clinic) 2. Food ration card Present the following documents to the food department linked to the Iraqi Ministry of Trade: - Official letter from the city council certifying your place of residence; - family residency card; - ID cards of the returnee, ID card of his wife and his children; - Marriage certificate. In the 3 northern governorates: contact details of the Food Department: Location Address phone number Erbil Tairawa round about, on the 30 m street, end of the Doctor s Street 0750 408 6286/ 066 223 4926 Dahuk Zaril Land Street Near Binavi 2 Gas station 72.215.13 Sulaimaniya Near Sailo 31.24.567 In Baghdad: Registration Centre, Ministry of Trade Food Department in Risafa Al Mansour district, building of the ex air force Palestine St. /Neil District /opposite Ministry of Interior 3. Copy of birth certificate Only the hospital where you were born can deliver a copy of your birth certificate. In the 3 northern governorates: contact details of Maternity hospital: Location Address phone number Erbil Maternity Hospital, 40m St. Kwestan District 222 94 11066/ 400 229 94 22 Dahuk Obstetrics and gynecology hospital, beside Al- Rafidain Bank 4

Sulaimaniya Chwarbakh area close to Suliemaniyah Stadium 31.23.766 In Baghdad: Red Crescent Hospital AL-RAHIBAT hospital Al-MANSOUR district, adjacent to AL-Karkh stadium. Al-Karradah district, near Abou-Nouas street Special Nursing House AL-YARMOUK hospital AL-ELWIYAH hospital AL-KARKH hospital Al HAYAT Hospital Al- KADIMYA hospital Bab AL-Mu'addam district, Medicine City Compound AL-Yarmouk district, Qahtan Sq 72 Street, near Alkarada Court house. AL-Karkh, AL-shohada a district, 83 Sq Karada / Wahda district / St. 42 Kadimya / Thobat district II. MEDICAL CARE 1. Health system The health system has private and public sectors. Because of the attention paid by the government and international organizations to developing this system, the differences between the two sectors are not great. There isn t public health insurance system is available in the country. Only those that work for special companies and organizations have access to health insurance schemes. Almost all Iraqis (95 %) live within one hour of the nearest hospital and 89 % live within half an hour of the nearest health centre. In rural areas, however, a substantial proportion of the population lives further away from health institutions. Approximate costs of a medical visit in public hospital is approx. 2-4 EUR 2. Medical Infrastructure: Number of Hospitals BAGHDAD GOVERNORATE Name of the hospital Medical Specialization Al-Karh Al-A'am Al-shaheed moh. Baker Al-Sader Al-Karhaama teaching hosp. Al-Isalh Al-Ejtema'ai Atfal Al-Kazemiah pediatric Abu-Graib Al-Karh for obestitric Obstetrics 5

Al-Mahmodiah Al-Kazemiah teaching hosp. teaching hosp. Al-Yarmook teaching hosp. teaching hosp. Al-Tefil Al-Markazy pediatric Alforat Ibn Al-Bitar cardiac surgery hosp. Al-Shaheed Al-Sader A-Imam Ali Al-No'man Al-Zafaraniah Ibn Al-Baladi Obstetrics & pediatric Atfal Al-Olwiah Pediatrics Fatima Al-Zahra'a Obstetrics & pediatric Al-Madain Ibn-Zuhor Thoracic Ibn Al-Kahteeb Infectious Al-Kindy neurological sciences Neurology Ibn Rushod Psychiatry Al Rashad mental health Al-Isha'a nuclear medicine Ibn Al-Nafees cardiac center Ibn Al-haitham ophthalmology Al-Elwiah obestitrics neurological surgery hosp. neurological surgery Ibn Al-Kahf Rehabilitation Al-Kusoba center fertility & treatment of infertility Al-shekh Dari surgical center Emergency Al-shekh Za'aid & neurological surgery Al-wasity reconstructive &plastic surgery Baghdad teaching hosp. Medical city teaching hosp. Dar Al-Tamreez Medical city Al-Atfal Medical city Pediatric Al-Girahat Medical city Surgery Iraqi center Medical city cardiac diseases digestive sys. & liver Medical city digestive sys. &liver IRC italian red cross burns&plastic surgery 6

BABYLON GOVERNORATE Name of the hospital Medical Specialization Al-Hilah Babel medical Al-Marjan Babel medical medicine Babel for obestitric Babel medical Obstetrics Al-Mahaweel Babel medical Al-Hashemiah Babel medical Al-Iskandariah Babel medical Al-Musaib Babel medical Ibn Saif Babel medical Obstetrics DIYALA GOVERNORATE Name of the hospital Medical Specialization Baqooba Al-Batool Pediatric Al-Razy Infectious Al-Mokdadiah Obstetrics & pediatric Al-Kalis Kahnakeen Balad Rooz Al-Shaheed mohammed yad allah Jalawla'a surgery Al-Zahra'a Obstetrics &pediatric KERBALA GOVERNORATE Name of the hospital Medical Specialization Al-Hussainy Karbala medical Karbal Atfal Karbala medical Pediatric gynicology&obestitrics Karbala medical Obstetrics Al-Hindiah Karbala medical Ein Al-Tamor Karbala medical Altaf Karbala medical field emergency hosp. NAJAF GOVERNORATE Name of the hospital Medical Specialization Al-Sader Al-Najaf medical teaching hosp. Al-Zahra'a Al-Najaf medical Obstetrics & pediatric Al-Hakeem Al-Najaf medical 7

Al-forat Al Awsat Al-Manathera Al-Najaf medical Al-Najaf medical WASSIT GOVERNORATE Name of the hospital Medical Specialization Al-Zahra'a Waset medical Al-Abaas Waset medical Emergency & orthopedics Al-Batool Waset medical Obstetrics Al-Nomaniah Waset medical Al-Aziziah Waset medical Al-Shaheed fairooz Waset medical Al-Sweerah Waset medical Al-Hajh Jalal Waset medical Obstetrics & pediatrics Al-Karamah Waset medical QADISSIYA GOVERNORATE Name of the hospital Medical Specialization Al-diwaniah Al-diwaniah medical Al-Wiladah Al-diwaniah medical obestitrics Al-Hamzah Al-diwaniah medical Al-Shamiah Al-diwaniah medical Al-Faihah Children's Hospital (for cancer) MUTHANA GOVERNORATE Name of the hospital Medical Specialization Al-Semawah Al-Semawah medical Al-Wiladah Al-Semawah medical Obstetrics Al-Razy Al-Semawah medical infectious Al-Rumaithah Al-Semawah medical Al-Kider Al-Semawah medical THIQAR GOVERNORATE Name of the hospital Medical Specialization Al-Nasiriah Dika'ar medical Al-Habobi Dika'ar medical surgery Al-Wiladah Dika'ar medical Obestitrics & pediatrics Al-Refa'ai Dika'ar medical Al-Shatrah Dika'ar medical Al-chibaish Dika'ar medical 8

Sook Al-shiook Dika'ar medical MISSAN GOVERNORATE Name of the hospital Medical Specialization Al-Sader Misaan medical Al-Homaia'at Misaan medical infectious Al-Zahrawy Misaan medical surgery Ali Al-Gahrby Misaan medical Kahla'a Salih Misaan medical Al-Maimoona Misaan medical Al Mijar Al-Kabeer Misaan medical BASRAH GOVERNORATE Name of the hospital Medical Specialization Al-Basrah Al-Sader teaching hosp. Al-Mawani Al-Basrah Wiladah Obstetrics & pediatrics Al-Zubair Al-Madina'a Al-Karnah Al-Faw Abi Al-Kaseeb Um Kaser Al-Shefa'a Al-Faihah Child specialist (for cancer) SALAH AL DIN GOVERNORATE Name of the hospital Medical Specialization Tikreet Salah El Dien medical Tooz Salah El Dien medical Samarah Salah El Dien medical Balad Salah El Dien medical Bihgi Salah El Dien medical Al-Sharkaat Salah El Dien medical Salah El Dien Salah El Dien medical Dijlah Salah El Dien medical rehabilitation 9

KIRKUK GOVERNORATE Name of the hospital Medical Specialization Azadi Kirkook medical Kirkook Kirkook medical 1k Kirkook medical Al-Hawijah Kirkook medical Dakook Kirkook medical Atfal Kirkook medical pediatrics MOSUL GOVERNORATE Name of the hospital Medical Specialization Al-Salam Ibn Sina'a surgery Ibn Al-Atheer Obstetrics & pediatrics Al-Kansah Obstetrics & pediatrics Al-Shefa'a infectious Al-Jimhoory surgery Al-Batool obestitrics Tal A'afer Sanjar Al-Sheekan Al-Hamdaniah Hazem Al-Hafid nuclear medicine Al-Ba'aj Al-mousil ANBAR GOVERNORATE Name of the hospital Medical Specialization Al-Ramadi Al-Nisaia'a Obstetrics & pediatrics Heet Al-Falujah A'ana Hadithah Al-Rutbah Al-kaa'im Al-Obaidy 10

Rawah Al-Amiriah ERBIL GOVERNORATE Name of the hospital & contact # Medical Specialization Razgary / 2880022660 Arbil medical Arbil Private 2880026266-2880026260 Arbil medical Emergency 3825 Arbil medical East Emergency 600 Arbil medical Emergency 3 Arbil medical Critical accidents Rasool Private Hospital 28880000263 Arbil medical Arbil Local 2880022320 Arbil medical Rapareen Private Hospital 2880032260 Arbil medical Kurdistan Private Hospital Arbil medical Zheen Private Hospital 2880020633 / Arbil medical Sima Private Hospital 2880005858 Shaklawah Arbil medical Molazem kareem Arbil medical Sowraan Private Hospital 2882525253 Arbil medical Joman Arbil medical Merkah So'or Arbil medical Rawandooz Arbil medical Hareer Arbil medical Kleefan Arbil medical Al-Wiladah & Atfal 2880003066-2880033206 Arbil medical obestitrics & pediatrics Dayik Private Hospital 2880022320 Arbil medical Blood Diseases Arbil medical hematology center Heart Surgery Hospital 2880830536 Arbil medical Heart Surgery Hospital Nanakali Hospital Arbil medical Cancer Disease DAHUK GOVERNORATE Name of the hospital Medical Specialization Azadi Dhook medical Amedi Dhook medical Aqra Dhook medical Zahko Dhook medical Rozana Dhook medical Hivi Dhook medical pediatrics Tawari Dhook medical emergency SULAIMANIYAH GOVERNORATE Name of the hospital Medical Specialization Al-Talimi teaching center Al-Aa'm Dokaan Banjaween Halabchah 11

Al-raniah Kala'a Dizah Sanksar Koobah Tak Tak Kalar Darbandikan Kafri Jamjahmal Shorash Chami Raizan Rabreeni Batween Sharzawar Kala'a jawlan Atfal Wiladah Chornaakh Atfal Wiladah Tawari Basrah Emergency Shaheed dr.haiman Shorbakh shaheed Gareeb shaheed sheera keeb Diabetes Center Shar Faruq Medical Center pediatrics obestitrics surgery Obstetrics & pediatrics emergency emergency psychiatry nephrology Diabetes Disease III. HOUSING 1. Housing Space and Rental Costs Housing has become one of the major problems in Iraq, especially after the 2003 events when lots of Iraqis left their houses in the disturbed areas and fled to different areas, mainly to the KRG seeking a secure life. 12

Because of those IDPs demand on rental houses or houses for sale increased dramatically and the prices soared. In 2008, when the security situation in the rest of Iraq improved, prices decreased in the KRG (but not that much and still rather very expensive) and prices in the South and Middle of Iraq increased. The Iraq Ministry of Housing and Construction estimates that 20% of all Iraqis are considered homeless or living in substandard accommodation. Returnees may face difficulties to find accommodation in their place of origin or usual residence. Services of estate agencies are available for renting or buying houses or flats. Average cost to rent a house/flat in Erbil and other northern governorates is 3 EUR per square meter; in expensive areas up to 5 EUR. The rental cost for a 250 square meter house in Baghdad is 320 Euros/month Average cost to rent a house/flat in Basra: 5 EUR per square meter. The high price is due to the demand for flats and houses by employees of the oil companies investing in Basra. 2. Access to Public Services Access to public services like health and education facilities is relatively good in Iraq: more than nine in ten households can reach a primary school, a secondary school, a health centre, and a place of worship within 30 minutes from their dwelling with the usual means of transportation (cars, public transportation, walking and other means). In terms of service provision, significant discrepancies exist between rural and urban environments. Electricity: Most households have access to electrical grids with stability and supply being the real challenge rather than connection to the network. There is access to secondary sources of electricity. Most people share generators. Shared generators are most common in the central and southern parts of Iraq, whereas private generators are most common in Baghdad and northern regions. In southern Iraq, especially Basra Governorate, main power supply lasts only 16 hours per day. Gas for cooking: Bottled propane gas is by far the most common energy source for cooking. Price for one bottle of Gas: 5 EUR. The price of gas cylinders in Basra stands at 3 EUR, because of difficulties with the distribution through state run outlets and the high prices on the black market. Kerosene for heating: The majority of Iraqi households use kerosene to heat their homes. The second most important source for heating is gas. The northern governorates use wood, charcoal, and dung for heating besides the available heating sources. Approximate price for 1 litter of kerosene: 0.4 euros Water: Historically the urban population benefits from access to well developed water distribution systems when only about half of the rural population has access to it and relies on unsafe sources such as rivers and streams. In recent years some maintenance has been done on improving water nets in many governorates including Bagdad and Erbil. Other purifying units were established in Sothern parts of the country although most of them are still not in service. Urban areas however face major problems with leaking and damaged water distribution networks, coupled with frequent interruptions in power supply. Therefore in many areas water is readily available for only a few hours each day. The water may also become contaminated by raw seeping into the leaking pipes. Most households in Iraq obtain their drinking water through pipes. 13

The other main source of drinking water for urban households is tanker-trucks in the south, and water piped to the yard or compound in the north. Even though access to water is relatively widespread in Iraq, the majority of households say water costs are affordable while quality remains low. Basra is depending on private water supply through the buying of water tanks, the price is at 20 liters of 0.25 EUR. 3. Legal Advice: Restitution of Property, Right of Abode The Iraq Property Claims Commission (IPCC) is an independent agency of the Government of Iraq, established to redress certain wrongful takings of real property (or interests in real property), by confiscation, seizure, expropriation, forced sale or otherwise, in Iraq during the period 17 July 1968 to 30 June 2003. On 6 March 2006, a new law came into force replacing the Iraq Property Claims Commission with the Commission for Resolution of Real Property Disputes. The commission was established to provide a legal mechanism for resolving property disputes in an organized, fair and consistent manner regardless of the parties ethnic background, sect, religion, or gender. Through the commission process one can: Claim a real property right lost wrongfully. Confirm one s right to the real property currently used or owned. Defend one s right to own or use real property against someone who claims it. * PROCEDURES FOR PERSONS LIVING OUTSIDE OF IRAQ If you live outside Iraq and want to file a claim with the IPCC for property in Iraq or to file a response to a claim filed by someone else, please follow the following instructions: a. All claims and responses must be filed on the official IPCC Claim and Response Form. Both documents can be downloaded from this website: http://ipcciraq.org b. For additional assistance in completing the forms, claimants and respondents living outside Iraq may contact the IPCC from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Baghdad time at the following numbers: +964 79 01 93 32 81 +964 79 01 92 69 54 +964 79 01 92 69 43 c. All Claim Forms must be filed on or before 30 June 2007. A Claim Form that is mailed by a claimant living outside Iraq and postmarked on or before 30 June 2007 will be considered to have been filed on time. (IF YOU ARE MAILING IN A CLAIM, PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.) d. Claim and Response Forms filed by someone living outside Iraq must be filed in either Arabic or Kurdish. 14

e. Response Forms must be filed within 45 days after notice of the claim is served or posted by the IPCC. f. Claim and Response Forms filed by someone living outside Iraq may be filed one of the following ways: You may file the Claim or Response Form in person at any of the IPCC offices listed in this website in the Contact Us section. You may hire or arrange for someone to file a Claim or Response Form in person for you. If so, that person must present evidence that he/she has the right to represent you. You may contact any Iraqi Embassy or Consulate abroad. You may mail the Claim or Response Form to the following address: IPCC PO BOX 472 CH 1211 GENEVE 19 SWITZERLAND g. If you do not have some of the information or documents requested in the Claim or Response Form, the IPCC will temporarily accept the form without them. In that case the IPCC will contact you later for further information and documentation. However, it is in your interest to provide as much of the information and as many of the documents as possible when you file your form. h. Persons who believe they have a valid claim and who do not file with the IPCC by 30 June 2007 may still be able to pursue their claims in the Iraqi courts, but this process may be expensive and lengthy. IV. EMPLOYMENT 1. Labour Market Situation The Iraqi labor market has similar characteristics to the other labor markets in the region, with relatively high labor force participation rates among adult men and relatively low participation among women and young men. In KRG female participation begins to increase, especially in public sector. The Iraqi government plays a central role in the labor market: Central and local government together with government enterprises employ 29 % of the workforce, and wages are higher in the public sector than in the private, particularly in the education sector. Working in the public sector is therefore attractive, and 58 % of active workers with secondary or higher education are in the public sector. The private sector, which is dominated by trade, agriculture, and construction, applies lower wages and employs most of the unskilled workers. Women tend to work either in agriculture (particularly those that have only elementary education) or in education (particularly those that have secondary or higher education). The majority of the unemployed are new entrants to the labor market, and the majority of people employed before the war have been able to keep their jobs. The three most important industries by employment are: trade and repairs, agriculture, and public administration. Construction is also an important employer. Jobs can be found in the manufacturing, mining and quarrying sectors. 15

Unemployment varies by region, and is highest in the Baghdad region. Unemployment is lower in the north and central regions. The governorate of Muthana has the highest unemployment rates among the governorates while Erbil has the lowest. 2. Placement Service The Ministry of labour and social affairs has established job centres. Job seekers can be registered into the database by filling the internal application document. In addition, the centres promise vacancies for former members of the Iraqi army, disabled people and women. Official MOLSA website: http://www.iraqi-molsa.org/arabic/albaheth.htm (The application can be downloaded from the web site) You can also contact the ministry through this email address: info@iraqi-molsa.org In the 3 northern governorates, you can contact the following job centers: Ministry of labour and social affairs contact number 0662238015 Address Education Street- near of Ministry Health www.evtc-krg.org info@evtc-krg.org iec.irbil@yahoo.com Location Address phone number Erbil Kirkuk Road / opposite Mantikawa Petrol station 763 7807 066 251 9639 0750 Dahuk Zaril Land Street Near Binavi 2 Gas station 45.82.894 Sulaimaniya Statistics Department Near to Directory of Health 32.31.639 In Baghdad: Baghdad QAHIRA neighbourhood, near ALBAKIR university In Basra: Basra AL JAZA ER DISTRICT, near the Union of Businessmen 3. Vocational Training The Iraqi government has developed a vocational training program to respond to the challenges of high unemployment, an under-skilled workforce and the needs of an emerging private sector. In collaboration with the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MOLSA), this program is improving the skills of Iraq's workforce through Vocational and Technical Training Centers and Employment Service Centers. The centers are used by unemployed youth (17 and older), demobilized soldiers and militia, displaced persons, women, agricultural workers and others without marketable skills. Currently, the centers offer courses in: Welding, Lathe work, Carpentry, Electrical functions, Auto mechanics, Tailoring, Cosmetology, Plumbing, Small appliance repair, Elevator repair, English, computer training, and basic Arabic literacy are also offered as support courses. Services include outreach counselors to match jobs with job seekers. 16

V. EDUCATION 1. Educational System and Infrastructure Infrastructure: Thousands of school facilities lack the basics necessary to provide children with a decent education. One third of all primary schools lack any water supply and almost half are without any sanitation facilities. The worst affected governorates are Thiqar, Salah al Din and Diyala, where more than 70 % of primary school buildings either lack water service altogether or the existing water system is not working. Despite the difficulties, overall enrolment surged in the 2005/2006 school year. But the number of suitable school facilities has failed to keep pace with demand. There are not enough desks, chairs, or classrooms. Many schools have had to double up, with a quarter of all primary schools running two or three shifts per day meaning reduced classroom time for each shift of students. Educational system: The administration and management of education in Iraq is highly centralized within two ministries, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. A similar structure is found in the three Northern governorates. The Ministry of Education is responsible for the management and implementation of pre-school, primary, and secondary education, the latter of which includes teacher training, fine arts s, and vocational education, computer sciences, Sports, Arts. The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research is responsible for the administration, planning, and management of higher education. Post-secondary education in Iraq includes technical s, colleges, and universities. Universities are semi-autonomous in most financial, technical, and administrative matters. Languages: in the 3 northern governorates: The official language taught at school is Kurdish. Some of them teach Arabic as well. English is compulsory for all students from the age of 6. In The remainder of Iraq the official language is Arabic and (Kurdish taught from stage 4 & 5 of primary stage) but English is taught at the age of 10. English, French and Turkish schools are located in Baghdad City, Erbil, Sulaimaniyah they are accepting students from kindergarten to secondary schools. There is an increase in the number of private schools in Erbil, Sulaimaniya, Bagdad, and other parts of Iraq to some extent, which are an attractive alternative for families with better income. The educational ladder in Iraq: Kindergarten: Pre-school or kindergarten is a non-compulsory stage available to children aged four and five. It is a one-year programme run by the Ministry of Education. Primary school: A period of six years of primary school is compulsory for all children in Iraq. Children are supposed to start school the year they turn seven, but many children are sent to school one year earlier or one year later than prescribed. National examinations are held by the end of the last year, leading to a Primary School Baccalaureate. In KRG the system is different because the government has created a system called essential (basic) school where the student must complete 9 classes then they have the national examinations and until then no graduation certificates are given. For other classes there are until 12 or going to the vocational education schools. 17

Intermediate school: Primary school is followed by three years of intermediate school leading to the Third Form Baccalaureate. Based on the student s interests and qualifications he or she may proceed to secondary education preparing for academic studies, and then entrance into a teachers or vocational training, computer sciences, physical fitness (sports) and arts. Integration of Primary and Secondary school in the Northern Governorates: New educational system has been released recently in the northern 3 governorates which includes canceling the mentioned two schools and integrate them in one stage called (Essential School), it is 9 grades and the graduate here will join the study in Secondary school. Secondary school: The three-year preparatory level is intended to prepare the student for academic studies. Following successful completion of the first year the student chooses between literary and scientific studies. The secondary level leads to the Sixth Form Baccalaureate. Students who complete this level with a minimum of entry qualifications can proceed directly to university or college. In the KRG, evening schools are becoming popular for all stages and are attended mainly by school drop outs. They are called fast learning schools because the curriculum of two school years can be completed in one year, so that students can catch up and compensate the lost time. Such schools are particularly designed for adults. Vocational: Following intermediate school students may choose to enroll in a three-year programme of vocational training within the industrial, agricultural or commercial domain. Vocational training is part of the secondary educational system but is managed separately within the Ministry of Education. Students who obtain good results (the top 10 percent) can extend the training with another two years at a technical college. They can join ordinary colleges as well this is for the top three percent. 2. Approval and Verification of Foreign Diplomas The Department of Certificate Authentication at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research authenticates diplomas obtained abroad. It can be reached through the Ministry s administration at the following address: personnel_ns@mohesr.gov.iq (+964.790.0141.25.05). The Ministry of Cultural affairs unit may also represent a useful source of information: hiedinfo@mohesr.gov.iq and Culturalrelationsiraq@mohesr.gov.iq 3. Necessary Documents for Returning Pupils/Students To register at school, the student needs the previous school certificates and identity card. Registration is carried out until the end of July, while entrance exams are held in August. The school year typically starts in early September. 4. Costs, Loans and Stipends School costs tend to rise with educational levels. Despite the fact that education is free but the pupils need some supplies like stationary and uniform. Primary school costs reach approximately 45 euros per year, rising to 65 euros per year for intermediate school, 95 euros per year for secondary school, and reach up to 130 EUR for high school. VI. VULNERABLE PERSONS Assistance to Women and Mothers Returning Home Alone Female heads of household can receive a state pension from the government. Further information can be found on MOLSA s website: http://www.iraqi-molsa.org/arabic/ 18

VII. USEFUL LINKS http://www.reliefweb.int http://ipcciraq.org http://www.portaliraq.com/iraq-jobs-seekers.php http://www.kurdistancorporation.com http://www.iq.undp.org/ilcs/houseenv.htm http://www.who.int/countries/irq/en http://www.iom.int http://www.unhabitat.org/hd/hdv6n2/habitat_iraq.html http://www.hawlergov.org/ar/numbers.php 19