NES has been in Iraq for 12 years and is fully incorporated in Baghdad under the company name North Eagle Star General Services & Manpower recruitment for Foreigners, Arabs & Iraqis, LLC.
Staffing Iraq's Critical Infrastructure
NES is the only international provider to obtain Iraq’s employment license for foreign & local recruitment services. We currently have over 1,000 contractors working across Basra, Baghdad and other remote locations within the Iraq region, on projects such as The Rumaila field.
Based in the south of the country, this oilfield is considered to be the fourth largest in the world - NES has supported this project for almost a decade and we are continuing to do so. To date, we’ve placed over 2,750 contractors in-country for 15 different businesses, demonstrating the large workforce numbers we manage.
13+
offices across the Middle East
1000+
in-country contractors
With our vast Middle East and wider global network you can rest assured we will get the technical talent you need into Iraq.
When it comes to recruitment in Iraq – we know what we’re doing
The Ministry of Labour has recently increased its enforcement efforts regarding the regulation of both local nationals and foreign workers in Iraq, with the enforcement of the Employment License for any recruitment providers. To obtain this license a company must be 100% compliant and undergo a rigorous application process - NES are one of the few companies in this position.
We have extensive experience with the Ministry of Labour & Social Affairs (MOLSA) and the licensing department, including an alliance with Basra’s Employment & Security offices (BEO) and streamlined processes with the Department of Social Security (DRSS).
Our dedicated assignment support professionals help with work permit procedures to ensure full compliance with the Iraqi Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, and can organise volume visas for your workforce depending on your requirements. This includes 6 months or 1-year multiple entry visas / single entry visas and e-migrate visas. Our team is also on-hand to assist contractors with site registration processes and can issue oilfield security passes on our clients’ behalf.
With on-the-ground teams facilitating local delivery of our comprehensive recruitment and onboarding methodology, we ensure full compliance under Iraqi labour law and will get your new hires to site on time, quickly and efficiently.
NES has been a key staffing provider for the following energy projects in Iraq:
- Al Ratawi
- Al Turath Substation
- Atrush Oilfield
- Block 9
- Di Qhar Power plant
- Halfya
- Karbala Substation
- Rumaila
- Samawa Power Plant
- Siba
- West Qurna 1 (the second largest oilfield in the world)
- Zubair
We place technical and engineering specialists in a huge range of technical areas, including, but not limited to:
- Construction, Fabrication & Commissioning
- Drilling and Completions
- Engineering
- Health, Safety and Environmental
- Project Management & Services
- Quality Control
- Support Functions
- Technology
We’ll help you find your next engineering job in Iraq
There has been a significant economic investment from the Iraqi Government, who are placing citizens at the heart of their plans for the foreseeable future as they seek to put Iraq on the path of development. It's an exciting time for Iraq’s economy as we see the expansion of oil production and gas projects across IOCs and some smaller independents. These projects will deliver gas to the local market and open gas exports. For example, the Rumaila project is aiming to increase its oil production by 50% to reach 1 million barrels per day by the end of 2030.
Our clients' visions are in line with the Iraqi Government and they are committed to providing local employment opportunities, as well as continuing to offer jobs for expatriates. Energy companies are actively recruiting candidates across all disciplines and NES are well-placed to deliver and support these candidates in their careers on both a contract and permanent (direct) hire basis.
Contractor safety in Iraq is of paramount importance
Our comprehensive contractor care package puts your safety and wellbeing at the forefront of your employment in Iraq. Our expert assignment support and recruitment teams include dedicated in-country local representatives who understand the local landscape and provide the full support required for all our expatriate and Iraqi workers on the ground. This includes country orientation services and the provision of extensive medical, accidental and personal insurance coverage to deliver peace of mind for contractors and their families. With the support of trusted third-parties, we provide emergency response and security support to all contractors in Iraq on a 24/7 365 days a year basis.
Should the worst happen, we’re here to help. Read below to find out more about our recruitment support and contractor care in Iraq, or search our latest Basra and Baghdad job opportunities.
Featured Jobs
Our Recruitment Services
Employer of Record
Expand your global presence without registering a new business entity; we can hire employees on your behalf, with minimal risk.
Contract Staffing
We manage tens of thousands of contractors globally, delivering industry-leading logistics support and payroll.
Compliance
Our globally based team understand local legislation requirements and will help businesses to regain compliance in their employment.
Assignment Support
We support contractors throughout their assignments, taking care of their welfare, travel practicalities and payroll.
Permanent Hire
We have over 50 years of experience in orchestrating retained search activities, enabling businesses to hire strategically and effectively.
Executive Search
We’ll find C-Suite personnel with shared responsibility and purpose to innovate your Board and secure your succession planning.
Payroll
Our streamlined service is award-winning and fully compliant in the respective localities of our internationally mobile contractor base.
Consolidation
Our consolidation service will save costs, increase hiring efficiencies and improve your compliance levels.
Managed Services Provision
We have decades of experience in delivering effective contingent workforce solutions and mobilisation programmes.
Recruitment Process Outsourcing
Outsource all or part or your direct hiring; we manage high volume demand and have a global candidate reach.
Case study - major oilfield recruitment in Iraq
Iraq - major oilfield recruitment
Majnoon is one of the world’s largest oil fields, estimated to hold about 38 billion barrels of oil.
Case Study - Emergency Evacuation
Supporting a mass emergency evacuation
NES has been operational in Basra, Erbil and Mosul in Iraq since 2009, and whilst there had been comparatively fewer terrorist attacks, there had been an increase in religiously motivated events and labour protests. Read about how we helped contractors in one such scenario.
Case Study - IT
Sourcing IT specialists for challenging locations
Since 2010, NES has successfully provided recruitment and related support services to one of the world’s largest energy providers for sites located across Basra. We have provided key IT personnel to facilitate and manage their digital network.
Other Regional Offices
Abu Dhabi
Our local team can provide bulk temporary labour for the city’s growing energy mix and is a Tier 1 supplier
Saudi Arabia
We have offices in Dhahran and Riyadh to ensure customers receive the best possible service and market expertise
Dubai
We’ve been established in Dubai for over a decade; this office functions as our Middle Eastern workforce solutions hub.
Qatar
Our fully licensed office in Doha offers specialist recruiters, payroll professionals and assignment support personnel.
Kuwait
Based in Ahmadi (Kuwait City), our recruitment team are close to the heart of the country’s energy hub
Oman
With offices in Muscat, Salalah and Ibri, we’re a leading recruitment agency in the Sultanate and will support Omanisation targets.