Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Kirkuk Engineers Syndicate has voiced strong concerns over hiring practices and subcontract awards linked to BP’s operations in the province’s oil fields, alleging that local engineers and businesses are being overlooked in favor of workers and companies from outside Kirkuk. While welcoming international investment in Iraq’s energy sector, the syndicate warned it would pursue legal action and peaceful protests if local employment requirements are not enforced. In a statement, the syndicate said it is closely monitoring recruitment procedures and the awarding of secondary contracts related to BP’s projects in Kirkuk.
It argued that the current approach has resulted in several violations, including the exclusion of qualified local engineers despite the availability of experienced graduates and professionals from the province. The syndicate also claimed that engineering and technical staff are being recruited from outside Kirkuk, while numerous subcontracting and logistics contracts have been awarded to companies based elsewhere. According to the statement, these practices undermine the local economy and deprive Kirkuk residents of employment opportunities linked to projects operating within their province.
The syndicate stressed that Kirkuk residents bear the environmental and health impacts associated with oil production and should therefore receive priority in employment opportunities. It called on the Ministry of Oil and the Kirkuk provincial administration to require that at least 85% of jobs across all project stages be reserved exclusively for residents of Kirkuk. In addition, the syndicate demanded formal representation on the joint recruitment committee to ensure transparency and fairness in hiring decisions.
It also urged authorities to use the syndicate’s database of registered engineering graduates when filling vacancies. Among its proposals, the syndicate called for all job applications to be processed exclusively through the employment office of the Kirkuk Governorate, arguing that a centralized system would improve transparency and ensure equal access to opportunities. The organization also backed government efforts to distribute employment opportunities fairly among all communities in Kirkuk without discrimination.
The statement concluded with a warning that the syndicate would not remain silent if local engineers …
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