Iraqi Official Gazette: Legal Enforceability of Laws in Iraq

Iraqi Official Gazette: Legal Enforceability of Laws in Iraq The Iraqi Official Gazette (Al-Waqa’i Al-Iraqiya) is the sole official publication for laws, regulations, instructions, and decisions in Iraq. As a matter of law, no legislation is legally enforceable unless it is published in the Gazette. For companies and investors, the publication date determines the effective date of legal obligations, compliance deadlines, and penalties. Courts, government authorities, and regulators rely exclusively on the Gazette as the authoritative legal reference. Monitoring the Iraqi Official Gazette is therefore essential for businesses operating in Iraq to ensure regulatory compliance and avoid legal exposure.

Central Bank of Iraq Directs Banks to Establish Financial Inclusion Departments

Central Bank of Iraq Directs Banks to Establish Financial Inclusion Departments The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has issued an official circular addressed to all licensed banks, instructing them to establish a dedicated Financial Inclusion Department within their organizational structures. The instruction supports the national financial inclusion strategy, aims to expand access to financial services, enhance public confidence in the banking sector, and promote financial awareness among various segments of society. Under the CBI instruction, banks are required to: Establish a Financial Inclusion Department within the bank’s approved organizational structure Integrate existing units related to banking awareness and consumer protection into the new department Assign the department to senior management supervision to ensure effective coordination Develop and implement financial inclusion strategies and programs Submit required reports and data to the Central Bank of Iraq in accordance with prescribed formats and timelines Ensure that department leadership possesses appropriate banking, administrative, and financial expertise   The circular emphasizes that financial inclusion activities must align with CBI policies, governance standards, and supervisory requirements.   This directive reflects the CBI’s continued efforts to: Strengthen the role of banks in financial inclusion initiatives Increase access to banking and financial services Enhance financial literacy and consumer protection Improve coordination between banks and regulatory authorities Support sustainable development of the Iraqi banking sector   Banks are required to review their internal structures and take the necessary steps to comply within the specified timeframe. How Etihad Can Assist Etihad provides legal and regulatory advisory services to banks, financial institutions, and businesses, supporting compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and regulatory guidance issued by any competent authorities.  

Amend Government Contracts Instructions

Amend Government Contracts Instructions Ministry of Planning issued the amendments of the instructions of Government Contracts No. (2) of 2014 by adding a new provision to Clause (4) which is as follows: Under this amendment, the final acceptance certificate issued by the Head of the Contracting Authority is considered conclusive evidence that the contractor or company has properly completed the contract in full compliance with contractual terms and applicable laws. This update reinforces legal certainty in government contracting and aligns contract execution with Article 870(1) of the Iraqi Civil Code No. (40) of 1951 (as amended). Such developments play an important role in strengthening governance, compliance, and dispute prevention in public sector projects. How Etihad Can Assist Etihad provides legal and regulatory advisory services to banks, financial institutions, and businesses, supporting compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and regulatory guidance issued by any competent authorities.