A recent revelation by Iraqi university professor and economist Nabil Marsoumi has brought attention to the issue of dual-salary public sector employees in Iraq, with over 800 employees at Najaf International Airport allegedly holding multiple government jobs. In a post on his Facebook page, Marsoumi highlighted the case, noting that these employees, in addition to their airport roles, hold positions in various federal departments and receive salaries from both. Notably, the airport’s director also reportedly serves as the director general of airports and flights.

Iraqi law prohibits employees from holding two government positions unless explicitly authorized, raising concerns about violations of legal frameworks governing public employment. Hassan Abu al-Sabah, the head of the Najaf Provincial Council’s Corruption Committee, disclosed that his office had sent an official inquiry to Najaf International Airport, but had yet to receive a response.

Observers suggest that this dual-salary phenomenon, along with "ghost employee" practices, may contribute to Iraq's rising unemployment rate, which now exceeds 16%. The situation at Najaf Airport is not isolated; similar cases have emerged in other sectors. Last month, MP Dargham al-Maliki from Basra revealed that a deputy minister in the federal government receives multiple salaries. This official not only collects a salary from his primary position but also receives income from government companies he oversees, as well as significant compensation from his roles at various oil firms, including the Basra Oil Company and the Arab Oil Investment Company.

According to Al-Maliki, the deputy minister’s total monthly income reaches approximately 121 million Iraqi dinars, consisting of various allowances and salaries for multiple government roles. Al-Maliki’s revelations indicate that this dual-salary issue affects several public institutions across Iraq.

The disclosures have sparked public debate over employment practices within Iraq's government, with calls for legal reforms to address the issue of dual-salary and “ghost” employment. Observers and anti-corruption advocates are urging the Iraqi government to take immediate action to ensure fair job distribution and reduce unemployment by enforcing strict laws prohibiting dual government positions.