On 28 October 2026, I had the pleasure of presenting SRD Center’s Labour Market Assessment findings and facilitating the validation workshop at the Sheraton Erbil International Hotel, under ICMPD’s CAIR III project.
Participants were active and engaged throughout the day. Interactive activities and working groups brought local experience into the discussion, helping examine the findings and identify priorities for supporting returnees into employment. The assessment covers Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok and Halabja, drawing on 333 survey and interview records and five focus group discussions. Evidence is concentrated in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah.
Key findings from the participating groups indicated that 65% of employers expected to recruit. Food services, sales, construction, technical repair and delivery showed opportunities worth following up with employers, 78% of employers reported skills shortages. Communication, customer service and problem solving featured prominently alongside technical competence.
Among 24 returnees, 15 cited a lack of job opportunities, 11 insufficient start-up capital and eight a mismatch between their skills and market requirements. Training providers face resource constraints: 12 of 13 reported insufficient funding to deliver training, and nine lacked courses to adapt existing skills to local requirements. These findings underline the need to connect returnees with actual work opportunities, practical skills assessment and support that continues beyond training.
My thanks to Ms. Sanaa AL-NASERI of ICMPD for welcoming participants and opening the workshop, and to Mrs. Srwa Rasul of JCC and Mr. Nazmi Musa Othman of MoLSA for their opening remarks.
Thank you also to Ms. Mariya KUERNER of ICMPD, who joined online, and Ms. Christina KHOURY for her online presentation on returnee profiles in the KRI.
I am grateful to all participants and the organising team for their contributions to a productive day of discussion and review. Special thanks to Massarah and Sahar.

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