Cabinet decisions for today's session

Baghdad-INA  
To regulate traffic in the capital and major cities, as well as reduce congestion and traffic accidents caused by the unregulated use of motorcycles and similar vehicles, the Cabinet has approved the recommendations put forth during a workshop held by the Ministry of Interior. The workshop aimed to address the issue of the widespread use of motorcycles, motorcycle taxis, commonly known as “tuk-tuk,” and three-wheeled cargo motorcycles. The approved recommendations include the following measures:
1.            The importation of tuk-tuk motorcycles that do not meet the required safety, security conditions, and standard specifications is strictly prohibited.
2.            The importation of small bikes with an engine size of less than 40 cc is strictly prohibited for any purpose.
3.            The importation of motorcycles, regardless of their form, with an engine size of 40 cc or greater, will be halted, except for the specific needs of the security and traffic departments.
4.            Stop granting licenses for motorcycle production lines and local assembly workshops in Iraq, and review existing licenses in accordance with the law.
5.            All motorcycles must be registered and have registration plates affixed within a period of three months. This registration is essential for creating a comprehensive database to enhance security measures. Failure to register within the given timeframe will result in the impoundment of the motorcycle and its subsequent confiscation by the General Customs Authority. To expedite the process, the General Authority for Customs, in coordination with the Traffic Directorate, will issue registration books and customs permits for motorcycles, facilitating a swift completion of the registration procedure.
6.            The movement of motorcycles, including scooters, tuk-tuk, and small motorcycles under 40 cc, will be regulated based on the following guidelines:
a. Movement of motorcycles on highways and main roads is prohibited.
b. Registered motorcycles can operate in agricultural areas, closed tourist areas, alleys, narrow and side roads, and residential areas.
7.            Five motorcycles with two or three wheels or more (tuk-tuk) will be deregistered, subject to their suitability for work. In exchange, the owners of these motorcycles will be able to register a newly imported vehicle and receive soft loans.
8.            The implementation of Paragraph (3) of this decision will commence on July 1, 2023.
In preparation for the upcoming Hajj season to the Sacred House of Allah, the Cabinet has approved the adoption of national carriers, such as Iraqi Airways, other local carriers, or Saudi Arabian carriers, to transport pilgrims in the current year. This decision serves as an exception to Cabinet Resolution (43 of 2015).
As part of the government's efforts to implement administrative reform and combat corruption, the Council of Ministers has approved an amendment to Regulation No. (3) of 1999 for the Auditing and Accounting Profession. This amendment allows government agencies to enter into contracts with reliable international financial auditing firms, in coordination with the Federal Board of Supreme Audit and with the approval of the Prime Minister. This amendment eliminates the requirement for a license to practice the auditing profession and is effective from the date of its issuance.
To enhance the conditions for social service providers, the Cabinet has decided to grant a 50% allowance of the salary to employees in residential care homes across Baghdad and all governorates. The decision, effective from June 1, 2023, is based on Article 15 of the State Salaries Law for public sector employees (Law No. 22 of 2008, as amended). It aims to appreciate their humanitarian service and motivate employees who will be transferred to residential care homes.
The Cabinet has approved a bill ratifying an agreement between the Government of Iraq and the Government of the Russian Federation. This agreement exempts holders of diplomatic, service, and regular passports from entry visas. The agreement was signed in Baghdad on April 2, 2023, and will be forwarded to the Council of Representatives for further action.
The Cabinet has approved a bill amending Iraq's accession to the International Convention on Load Lines. The bill, prepared by the State Council, has been referred to the Council of Representatives for consideration. Iraq's adherence to this agreement does not signify recognition of Israel or the establishment of any relationship with it, in accordance with the Treaties Law (No. 35 of 2015).
The Cabinet also discussed several public affairs topics listed on the agenda and made the following decisions:
First: The Cabinet has approved the transfer of the plane (MI-172) (VIP) along with its spare parts and accessories from the Iraqi National Intelligence Service to the Ministry of Defense. This decision is in accordance with the provisions stated in Paragraph (1) of Cabinet Resolution (206 of 2019) and confirmed by Paragraph (1) of Cabinet Resolution (340 of 2021).
Second: In order to bolster the operations of the Military Industrialization Commission and ensure the prudent use of public funds, the Cabinet has made the following decisions:
1. Ministries and security agencies are required to donate colored metals, weapons, military equipment, and spent and out-of-service metals to the Military Industrialization Commission at no cost. However, the companies under the Ministry of Industry and Minerals are exempted from this requirement concerning copper.
2. The transportation of colored metal waste will be closely monitored by the Iraqi National Security Agency, ensuring that it has been cleared of any radiation by the Radiation Protection Center.
3. Trading arrangements will be established between the Military Industrialization Authority and the respective authorities to determine the terms and details. These arrangements will be based on an agreement between the Military Industrialization Authority and the relevant authorities.
 
Third: The Cabinet has approved including the Popular Mobilization Commission in the amended Cabinet Resolution (142 of 2009) concerning secret expenses. Additionally, an allocation of one billion and five hundred thousand dinars will be added to the Popular Mobilization Commission for the purpose above.
Media Office of the Prime Minister