GMAC and MoLSA work together to support returning and aspiring migrants
The German Centre for Jobs, Migration and Reintegration (GMAC) has officially reopened its in-person consultation services inside the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA) building in Erbil. From today, GMAC and MoLSA advisors work side by side, coordinating closely to support people returning to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Together, they offer joint consultations focused on skills development, job opportunities and business start-up support.
On August 5th, 2025, representatives from Germany and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, including Ms. Kwestan Abdullah, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs; Christiane Hohmann, Ambassador of Germany to Iraq; and Jonne Bruecher, Deputy Country Director of GIZ Iraq, officially inaugurated the new GMAC office within the MoLSA building in a small ceremony.
The event began with a ribbon-cutting to mark the official opening. Following this, GMAC advisors led a guided tour of the new center, explaining the services available to visitors and the local community. During the tour, two supported business owners, Rayan Taha and Omar Abdulwahab, shared their stories. After reaching out to GMAC Erbil, they received consultations and joined a business management training. With further in-kind support, Rayan successfully launched an online clothing shop, while Omar opened his own law office, offering legal services to clients.
After the tour, the delegation gathered in the Vocational Training Center’s conference room for opening remarks. Minister Kwestan Abdullah praised the strong cooperation between Germany and the Kurdistan Region and highlighted the vital role of the new center. She emphasised how it strengthens MoLSA’s capacity to assist returning migrants.
"Through this center, MoLSA staff and GMAC advisors work and learn side by side, building strong, reliable services that truly meet the needs of the people of the Kurdistan Region ━ today and in the future."
Expanded services under one roof
Since 2018, the German Centre for Jobs, Migration and Reintegration (GMAC), implemented by GIZ has supported people from an independent location. Advisors provided consultations on skills development, job opportunities and business start-ups. The center also offered psychosocial services to help ease the emotional challenges of returning home and rebuilding life from scratch. These services were provided in close coordination with MoLSA but outside government buildings and structures.
Today marked the first day of joint implementation and strategic cooperation. MoLSA supports individuals enhance their employment prospects throughout the Kurdistan Region. Building on this, GMAC and MoLSA now provide joint reintegration services under one roof at MoLSA’s premises in Erbil. This new setup strengthens MoLSA’s institutional capacity and makes services more accessible to the people we support.
At the same time, GMAC’s services have expanded to include advice and support for those looking to migrate to Germany for work or education purposes ━ offering tailored advice and orientation for each pathway. Following the mandates with the Kurdistan Regional Government, these consultation services are implemented in coordination with the Joint Crisis Coordination Centre (JCC) under the Ministry of Interior. As the governmental structure responsible for regular migration and coordination support in the Kurdistan Region, JCC will also host a branch of GMAC that focuses solely on regular migration counselling to Germany and strengthening the coordination of migration-related services in KRI overall.
All GMAC services are free of charge, inclusive and confidential. Everyone is welcome to contact us for an appointment or visit our branch offices centers. Our branch offices are fully accessible, including for people with disabilities and special needs.
