Eco
The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has revealed new plans to integrate specific community groups into the labor market. It outlined rules for project support loans for addiction recovery individuals and returning emigrants, also clarifying its position on loans for social protection network beneficiaries. Ammar Abdul Hussein Jassim, Director of Income-Generating Projects Support, confirmed the Project Support Fund issued a decision specifically for addiction recovery individuals. It involves enrolling them in rehabilitation courses for social integration and work encouragement, by providing easy loans to establish their own projects, according to regulations including guarantor conditions. Jassim noted that current support and funding programs also cover returnees from abroad, alongside fostering business incubators and productive industrial projects. He emphasized these loans' ultimate goal is to provide employment for the jobless and transform idle potential into active, productive societal members. In a related context, Jassim clarified the Ministry's position on including social protection beneficiaries in loan programs. He explained that approving a loan for someone receiving social assistance who insists on remaining unemployed is a waste of effort and an attempt to defraud through "phantom projects." He highlighted the Ministry's strong drive to convert protection beneficiaries into productive individuals. However, recorded conversion requests remain modest, as many prefer retaining their social assistance salaries, food baskets, and children's educational grants over risking private project establishment. He stressed the Ministry's rejection of funding any "phantom projects" that fail to create actual employment for the jobless, such as personal construction, taxi purchases, or wedding expenses. He also affirmed intensifying field follow-up for benefiting projects, with visits every six months to ensure continuity and address setbacks.
