The transfer of political prisoners’ files from the Kurdistan Region to the Iraqi federal government has reached its final stage, paving the way for major financial and legal benefits. Prime Minister Masrour Barzani has already signed the agreement, leaving only final approval from Iraq’s Council of Ministers.
Under the new arrangement, tens of thousands of political prisoners will see their salaries nearly triple. In addition, more than 17,000 individuals who previously received no payments will begin receiving monthly salaries for the first time. Authorities will also extend benefits to other eligible groups.
This development follows earlier reforms in 2024, when the Kurdistan Regional Government aligned pension payments. Officials then prioritized equalizing the rights and benefits of political prisoners. Agreements between the Kurdistan Ministry of Martyrs and Anfal Affairs and Iraq’s Martyrs Foundation laid the groundwork for transferring the files to Baghdad.
Officials signed the initial draft in November 2024 and finalized it in November 2025. Barzani approved the agreement in March 2026. The Iraqi government must now complete the final step before implementation begins.
Next week, the Kurdistan government will prepare the necessary files. A high-level delegation will travel to Baghdad to finalize procedures and secure official approval. The delegation will include senior officials from finance, administration, and martyrs’ affairs institutions.
The updated law, approved by the Iraqi parliament, guarantees the implementation of these measures. It covers the transfer of files and ensures equal treatment under federal legislation.
More than 40,000 people will benefit overall. Around 26,800 current recipients will receive increased payments, while over 17,500 new beneficiaries will gain access to salaries. Additional groups, including displaced individuals from past conflicts, may also qualify.
Monthly payments will rise from 500,000 dinars to between 1.2 and 1.4 million dinars. Benefits will extend for up to 25 years, along with land grants, compensation, housing support, healthcare funding, and expanded access to free education for families.
