How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
#106
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 32
Re: How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
Hi there
Just a brief query... I have been asked to go out to Basra for my work.This would not be through a large corporate and there, presumably not involve the massive security and compound infrastructure that you mentioned.
I am not easily spooked regarding horror stories of certain places. However, what would you suggest to be the minimum safeguards that should be in place whilst I am there.
Cheers
D
Just a brief query... I have been asked to go out to Basra for my work.This would not be through a large corporate and there, presumably not involve the massive security and compound infrastructure that you mentioned.
I am not easily spooked regarding horror stories of certain places. However, what would you suggest to be the minimum safeguards that should be in place whilst I am there.
Cheers
D
There are two hotels I would recommend
The Basra International Hotel (locally known as the Sheraton)
Five star hotel in basra city
and the Mnawi Basha
Mnawi Basha Hotel - HOME PAGE
Like most places that you aren't familiar with I would avoid going out at night on my own. Try and arrange any meetings you have at the hotel you are staying (both have more than adequate security)
Only travel with a trusted person (whether that's arranged by your company or through a third party)
In all honesty you should be alright if youre staying in the city.
I wouldn't venture out to areas where you have no need to be.
Id be wary of the Officials here as you are probably aware these types of countries require certain "taxes" to be paid, so ensure you have the correct paperwork, visa, letters etc etc.
But from the airport if you pre-arranged travel with a trusted person they could take you straight to the hotel. All the main carriers fly into Basra, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish, Fly Dubai, Etihad etc etc.
Obviously respect the local culture and religion and avoid engaging in any talk about the ongoing insurgency in the north.
If you are a Western Woman travelling on your own id avoid it. If youre a male and like you say don't scare easily you'll be fine. A friend of mine recently visited Iraq on a photography assignment for the UN and had a trouble free stay. However he had UN links and connections.
There are security companies that you can hire on an adhoc basis but it really depends on where you want to go and what you plan on doing. If its just a few meetings, the hotels will suffice. If you need to travel all over the province I would consider looking at some form of security.
Maybe even worth trying to get in comms with the local Provincial COuncil if your visit is official in any way.
Any more help or advice just let me know
Cheers
#107
Re: How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
I've got an interesting question that will no doubt require answer via private message but: How do you chaps invest all of that vast amount of money you make over there?
#112
Re: How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
Hi Meow. Thanks. I think I'm getting closer. I ask because this opportunity is the best thing that has occurred for me in decades (if I get the offer). I'm not a spring chicken and I want to save and invest as much as possible before I call it quits. I know some of you chaps out there have really saved and I want to learn how.
#113
Re: How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
Hi Meow. Thanks. I think I'm getting closer. I ask because this opportunity is the best thing that has occurred for me in decades (if I get the offer). I'm not a spring chicken and I want to save and invest as much as possible before I call it quits. I know some of you chaps out there have really saved and I want to learn how.
#115
Just Joined
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1
Re: How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
I work in Basra now. Ive been in Iraq for 3 years having spent time in the military when it was dangerous.
There is no longer a threat of camps getting rocketed or mortared. Incidents across the country are probably less than incidents across London per day.
Yes you read the papers and hear bombs go off, but they go off against Civilian and Government of Iraq Targets. We have seen maybe 6 incidents in the last 6 months, NONE of which killed any ex pats.
Your husband isn't going to be allowed to go "down town" he will get picked up from the International airport where Emirates/Turkish/Qatar airways all fly into (would they fly in if it was dangerous?) He will get picked up by a security team and taken to a secure camp that has guards and security. No camp has been attacked.
Iraq during 2006/2007 was crazy. Afghan is crazy. Basra is the jewel in the crown for Iraq, it is a hub of activity with International companies coming in daily. Hotels are being built, new roads, basra has a new football stadium being built for the Gulf Cup Nations tournament Jan next year. Basra Security forces want this place to remain safe. Because if anything targeted an International company they would just leave.
Is Iraq safe? not massively. Is Basra safe to work in ? YES. Because we don't put ourselves in situations that may be dangerous. We don't go out, drink,etc. Is London, New York etc Safe to work? muggings, stabbings, drunken idiots fighting, gangs........ If the security situation changed expats would be removed immediately. If your husband has the opportunity to do it and earn some money do it. It wont look bad on his CV, he will make contacts from around the world.
PM me for further info if you require any more advice.
Its definitely not the worst Country in the middle east
There is no longer a threat of camps getting rocketed or mortared. Incidents across the country are probably less than incidents across London per day.
Yes you read the papers and hear bombs go off, but they go off against Civilian and Government of Iraq Targets. We have seen maybe 6 incidents in the last 6 months, NONE of which killed any ex pats.
Your husband isn't going to be allowed to go "down town" he will get picked up from the International airport where Emirates/Turkish/Qatar airways all fly into (would they fly in if it was dangerous?) He will get picked up by a security team and taken to a secure camp that has guards and security. No camp has been attacked.
Iraq during 2006/2007 was crazy. Afghan is crazy. Basra is the jewel in the crown for Iraq, it is a hub of activity with International companies coming in daily. Hotels are being built, new roads, basra has a new football stadium being built for the Gulf Cup Nations tournament Jan next year. Basra Security forces want this place to remain safe. Because if anything targeted an International company they would just leave.
Is Iraq safe? not massively. Is Basra safe to work in ? YES. Because we don't put ourselves in situations that may be dangerous. We don't go out, drink,etc. Is London, New York etc Safe to work? muggings, stabbings, drunken idiots fighting, gangs........ If the security situation changed expats would be removed immediately. If your husband has the opportunity to do it and earn some money do it. It wont look bad on his CV, he will make contacts from around the world.
PM me for further info if you require any more advice.
Its definitely not the worst Country in the middle east
I feel very happy to read this comment. even though it's 2yrs old now. Can you please confirm that with the whole ISIS thing going on in the ME, that the situation remains the same or better as I am about taking an offer in the Rumaila field, the pay is really really good, the only concern I have is the security situation.
#116
Just Joined
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 16
Re: How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
Hey Asho (or anyone else living in Basrah),
I'm planning to drive through Basrah in August on a roadtrip from Dubai to London. Will be passing from the Kuwait Safwan border, through Basrah city, to the Iranian Shalamche border. Would appreciate some advice! Please Inbox.
Cheers
I'm planning to drive through Basrah in August on a roadtrip from Dubai to London. Will be passing from the Kuwait Safwan border, through Basrah city, to the Iranian Shalamche border. Would appreciate some advice! Please Inbox.
Cheers
#117
Just Joined
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 1
Re: How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
Hello all... I fell upon this thread and was hoping I could get some information. First of all, I'm not British, Canadian, but regardless of nationality I'm a young guy look to work abroad. I'm a 26 year old who's worked in oil and gas operations for four years (field and plant, control room, commissioning, etc) with tickets in gas processing and production operations along with certification in steam operations (we call it power engineering in Canada). Is a person in my position with my level of experience of interest to oil and gas companies in places like Iraq or Kazakhstan or places such as that? I've really found it hard to find good information, and would appreciate any feedback. Thanks!
#118
Just Joined
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1
Re: How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
Goodday, Please i just got an offer with the Chinese National Offshore Oil Company in Maysan Province.
Please i want your advise about the safety of that region.
Thanks
Please i want your advise about the safety of that region.
Thanks
#119
Just Joined
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 4
Re: How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
Hello all. I have a job offer in Basra. What's the current threat level. I've never been to Iraq so I have quite a few questions. Current situation first I guess. Thanks and any insight would be greatly appreciated.
TM
#120
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 32
Re: How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
If you work for Exxon for example, you will be transported from the airport and driven in an armoured vehicle to a camp that is secured by a security company, that will employ locals. The locals are generally supervised by Expats (generally ex military guys).
There is no threat currently of rocket attacks or major IEDs targeting security companies or the IOCs, however the threat in Basra comes from the locals, be it militia groups (currently they don't like Turkish citizens) also from the tribes, who feel the IOCs are not sharing the wealth or giving the locals enough jobs. There remains a threat of kidnapping in any of these types of countries but this threat is mitigated by the employment of armed security companies.
I have personally worked in Iraq since 2010. I know people who have been here since 2003. There is always a threat in these types of places but depending on your job, you wont be put in any real harms way.
I would need further info or where/who you are looking at working with and can give you a better idea of the situation. But generally I would say its fine, and the money will be a deciding factor for you. Work is tough to come by at present and if you can get it I would say go for it. Basra isn't as bad as the rest of the country, just political, tribal and criminal activity are the main areas of concern. Plus remembering to be culturally sensitive at all times.