policy
The Cabinet held its 25th regular session this Tuesday evening, chaired by Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaydi, during which the general situation in the country was discussed along with several important agenda items. To support failing students, the Cabinet decided to allow them to take the third round of exams, including sixth grade primary students who failed in the second round, as well as third intermediate and sixth preparatory students of all branches who failed in the second round, including external and evening school students. The Ministry of Education will collect 25,000 dinars for each subject the student takes, with the funds allocated to the General Directorate of Evaluation and Examinations to cover exam costs and needs. Regarding tax settlement, the Cabinet approved an amendment to decision No. 336 of 2026, whereby the Ministry of Finance will waive 100% of additional amounts and late fines owed by private universities, colleges, and institutes if the principal tax is paid within six months from the decision's issuance date, and waive 50% if paid within the following six months. The Cabinet also voted to amend decision No. 555 of 2025 concerning import licenses for engine oils, modifying the Ministry of Oil's instructions No. 1 of 2013 to facilitate the implementation of the law on importing and selling oil products, allowing import of oils and lubricants with ministry approval without the need for import licenses. Additionally, the Cabinet decided to add the activity of distributing oil products to the tasks of the General Company for Gas Filling and Services to increase distribution outlets during crises and religious occasions, in accordance with the Public Companies Law No. 22 of 1997. In environmental regulation, the Cabinet approved the removal of a waste compactor and the encroachment on a plot of land belonging to the Ministry of Health in the Karkh area due to lack of required environmental approvals. On the international front, the Cabinet approved a draft law for Iraq's accession to the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), referring it to the Council of Representatives for legislation according to constitutional provisions.
