Parliamentary Committee: Telecom companies’ debts in Iraq cover 50% of state employees’ salaries
Parliamentary Committee: Telecom companies’ debts in Iraq cover 50% of state employees’ salaries
2025-10-26 05:20
Shafaq News – Baghdad
The Iraqi Parliament’s Communications Committee said on Sunday that the debts owed by telecommunications companies are sufficient to cover half of state employees’ salaries .
Committee member Zuhair Shahid Al-Fatlawi told Shafaq News Agency, “Mobile phone companies operating in Iraq are making huge profits and owe the government billions of dollars.” He stressed that “what companies owe and the annual taxes can be used to pay 50 % of employees’ salaries without relying on oil to cover their salaries .”
The MP explained, “There is a continuing disregard and lack of genuine accountability for the work of these companies, while the funds owed could be utilized and returned to the state treasury to support the economy and non-oil revenues .”
He added, “The telecommunications sector is considered one of the most important sectors supporting the country’s revenue-generating economy and a fundamental pillar of public budgets. Many countries in the region and the world rely on this sector to boost revenues and cover public expenditures, unlike Iraq, which relies on oil revenues to cover expenses, services, and employee salaries .”
Earlier this year, the Iraqi Ministry of Communications disclaimed responsibility for mobile phone companies, asserting that it had no authority over them .
It’s worth noting that the Parliamentary Integrity Committee has taken over the investigation into the Asiacell and Zain Iraq cases, a day after the Communications and Media Commission cut off internet service to Korek Telecom .
The Integrity Committee stressed to the Ministry of Communications and the Communications and Media Commission the need to implement legal measures to prevent any possible manipulation, otherwise escalatory action will be taken .
The Communications and Media Commission had previously announced punitive measures against Korek Telecom, including the immediate disconnection of its internet service .
The decision by the Iraqi Communications and Media Commission to cut off internet access to Korek Telecom has had negative repercussions for various segments of society and various professions in the Kurdistan Region, prompting citizens and activists to express their dissatisfaction with the decision .
While the Communications and Media Commission has not commented on the possibility of reviewing the decision, observers emphasize that the issue requires sustainable solutions that protect user rights and enhance transparency in the management of the telecommunications sector .
On March 11, 2025, the Iraqi Council of Ministers, headed by Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, approved the establishment of the National Mobile Telecommunications Company to operate 5G in partnership with Vodafone, with contributions from the Ministry of Communications, the National Retirement Authority, and the Trade Bank of Iraq .
In December 2024, Minister of Communications Hiyam Al-Yasiri announced the Cabinet’s approval of Vodafone International as the operator of the government’s national 5G mobile phone license. This approval was based on the recommendations of the negotiating team formed by the Ministry of Communications .
shafaq.com
