In a significant development, the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Masrour Barzani, paid a visit to the Directorate General of Labor and Social Security in Erbil today, Wednesday, June 14, 2023. The purpose of his visit was to closely examine the ongoing reform initiatives within the directorate, specifically focusing on the reorganization of social security affairs and the digitization of archives.

During his comprehensive tour of the directorate's various departments, Prime Minister Barzani highlighted the importance of his visit, aiming to gain insights into the operations of the social security system. This visit aligns with a crucial government project that primarily seeks to enhance citizen services, with a particular emphasis on those employed in the private sector.

Underscoring the main objective of the government program, Prime Minister Barzani expressed the intention to transform the archives of the Social Security Directorate into a digital format. This transformation is anticipated to expedite procedures, reduce processing time, and ensure the registration of all private sector employees under the social security system. By safeguarding their rights and encouraging citizens to actively participate in this vital sector, the government aims to promote stability and contribute to the economic growth of the Kurdistan region.

Prime Minister Barzani emphasized the significance of collaboration between relevant stakeholders, including ministries and private sector entities, and the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. This collaboration is crucial in streamlining the registration process for social security, and he urged an increase in the current registration rate, which currently stands at a mere 10%.

"This crucial step will not only benefit the workers but also secure their future after retirement," Prime Minister Barzani stated. He emphasized that social security contributions are not subject to any taxation but rather play a pivotal role in guaranteeing the well-being of private sector employees. Moreover, this initiative positively impacts the government's performance and actively contributes to the economic revival of the Kurdistan region.

Prime Minister Barzani acknowledged the diligent work carried out by the Social Security Directorate, which currently handles over 40,000 ongoing cases across Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Dohuk, and the autonomous administrations. Recognizing the meticulous nature of the archiving process, he expressed hope that the remaining tasks would be accomplished in the forthcoming months.

Commending the efforts of the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs and her dedicated team, Prime Minister Barzani also extended appreciation to the Information Technology Department and the appointed team for their invaluable assistance in implementing this transformative project. He expressed his optimism that the ongoing project, along with other initiatives outlined in the government's work program, would be completed promptly, furthering the welfare and progress of the Kurdistan region.

This visit by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani underscores the government's commitment to ensuring efficient and inclusive social security services for all citizens, bolstering the region's economic prosperity and providing a secure future for workers. Stay tuned for further updates on this significant endeavor.