Iraq: Protest held outside oil refinery in Nasiriyah (Dhi Qar province) September 22

Event

University graduates staged a demonstration over a lack of employment opportunities outside the main gate of the Dhi Qar Oil Company in Nasiriyah on Tuesday, September 22. Protesters burned tires and set up roadblocks on the main street leading to the entrance to prevent employees from entering their workplace. The demonstrators are demanding more employment opportunities for locals at oil facilities in the province. Similar scenes were reported outside the Basra Oil Company's Makina headquarters in Al Zharnar district on Tuesday, where graduate engineers closed the entrance to the administrative department to demand employment opportunities.

Further protests over the issue are possible in the medium term and oil company headquarters are likely to continue to be a focal point for demonstrations. A heightened security presence and localized disruptions to transport are expected in the vicinity of any protests.

Advice

Those in Iraq are advised to closely monitor the situation, avoid all protests and large public gatherings, anticipate disruptions to transportation and services in areas affected by demonstrations, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.

The security environment in Iraq remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas with proper security protocols in place, other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to all travel.