Under the CAIR III project, implemented by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, the Labour Market Assessment Findings Review Workshop for Baghdad and Basrah was successfully completed on 30 June 2026 in Baghdad. The workshop was facilitated by SRD Center and brought together 27 public and private sector stakeholders representing key ministries, institutions, UN agencies, INGOs, and major companies from Baghdad and Basrah governorates.

The workshop provided an important space to review the findings of the Labour Market Assessment, discuss their relevance to labour market realities in Baghdad and Basrah, and identify practical priorities to support the economic reintegration of returnees. Participants emphasized that returnee employment support should move beyond stand-alone training and focus on stronger employer engagement, structured job matching, practical skills assessment, accelerated certification, and direct links between training and work opportunities.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of establishing a regular coordination mechanism among government actors, chambers of commerce, employers, training providers, NGOs, and programme partners. A shared referral system linked to labour market opportunities was also identified as a key priority. The workshop confirmed that sustainable reintegration requires practical, employer-linked pathways that make returnees’ skills visible, trusted, and connected to real opportunities in the labour market.

Many thanks to all participants for their valuable reflections, practical feedback, and commitment to strengthening evidence-based programming for returnee reintegration in Iraq.

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