How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
Dec 13th 2015, 7:22 pm
#121
Just Joined
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 4
Re: How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
Threat level for US workers is the same as for any Westerner out here.It will obviously depend on what company you work for and the type of security they have.
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.
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.
Thank you very much. It will actually be working for security company. I appreciate your reply and have quite a few questions. This will be my first time to iraq. Are you there currently? How are Americans generally welcomed there? I'm sure the cultural differences are significant and would like to get "up to speed" on how to arrive and function with a minimal footprint. The last thing I want to do is get jammed up over a culture thing I wasn't aware of. How are tattoos received? Are they an issue? I have a Hebrew tattoo and I'm curious if it will get me detained or jammed up. Beyond that I'm assuming just being respectful is the best option? It's their country. Thanks again.
~TM
Dec 14th 2015, 12:25 pm
#122
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 32
Re: How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
Thank you very much. It will actually be working for security company. I appreciate your reply and have quite a few questions. This will be my first time to iraq. Are you there currently? How are Americans generally welcomed there? I'm sure the cultural differences are significant and would like to get "up to speed" on how to arrive and function with a minimal footprint. The last thing I want to do is get jammed up over a culture thing I wasn't aware of. How are tattoos received? Are they an issue? I have a Hebrew tattoo and I'm curious if it will get me detained or jammed up. Beyond that I'm assuming just being respectful is the best option? It's their country. Thanks again. ~TM
No problem on tattoos. Many operators out here sport numerous tattoos. The Hebrew tattoo I would make sure I have it covered, by wearing long sleeve shirts and also do not show it to the locals as they may accuse you of being a Jew (which is the same as accusing you of being a spy... mental I know).
But yeah you've hit the nail on the head, be respectful. Its their country, don't bad mouth them, their beliefs, culture or their religion. Easy enough.
When are you out in country and who are you with? you can PM me if you want
Dec 15th 2015, 2:03 pm
#124
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 2008
Location: Dubai
Posts: 2,843
Re: How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
i feel a bromance coming along 
Apr 24th 2016, 11:31 pm
#127
Just Joined
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1
Re: How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
i wanna know about the guarding system in rumaila field ..
can someone help me up with it?
i just wanna know if there any air craft system working there or not?
can someone help me up with it?
i just wanna know if there any air craft system working there or not?
Jul 18th 2016, 5:37 am
#128
Just Joined
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 10
Re: How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
Don't touch any flags put up by the locals.
They have religious significance, and are sacred to the shia Iraqis.
Regards
ARGAR
They have religious significance, and are sacred to the shia Iraqis.
Regards
ARGAR
Jul 20th 2016, 6:18 am
#129
Just Joined
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 10
Re: How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
When staying for an extended period of time, you will be staying in a secure camp with 24hr armed security and 12ft high security "T-wall"
This is all for precautions, i have been in the Basra area for over 2 years now and nothing ever happens.
You get the occasional protest near Majnoon, but Rumaila is pretty safe.
Most PSD companies have good relations with the local police and the public in general as they provide jobs for the local population.
If in the rare case of any trouble coming your way, they your security would whisk you away well before any danger got close.
I'm not sure what you mean by Aircraft system?
If you mean for security, then no everything is B6 armoured land vehicle based.
If you meant for civilian transport? then yes, Basra has a fully functioning international airport.
I hope this info helps.
ARGAR
Feb 9th 2017, 4:16 am
#130
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 46
Re: How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
You wouldn't be working in Rumaila field without security teams escorting you everywhere.
When staying for an extended period of time, you will be staying in a secure camp with 24hr armed security and 12ft high security "T-wall"
This is all for precautions, i have been in the Basra area for over 2 years now and nothing ever happens.
You get the occasional protest near Majnoon, but Rumaila is pretty safe.
When staying for an extended period of time, you will be staying in a secure camp with 24hr armed security and 12ft high security "T-wall"
This is all for precautions, i have been in the Basra area for over 2 years now and nothing ever happens.
You get the occasional protest near Majnoon, but Rumaila is pretty safe.
Cheers!
Feb 16th 2017, 9:23 am
#131
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Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 11
Re: How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
Hey there - from what I gather on these forums the safety situation seems okay these days. I was wondering if you could comment on some more details on the compounds themselves - do they have decent living quarters, gym, food, camp life etc? I may be heading to Majnoon. Any info would be much appreciated.
Cheers!
Cheers!
I have visited a few of the camps in Iraq and most of the time there isn't really anything to complain about (other than daily fire alarms from people showering with their bathroom door open). Having said that, I definitely wouldn't want to stay on a Chinese camp ever again
May 30th 2017, 12:08 pm
#132
Just Joined
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1
Re: How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
Hello,
Is it safe to make a business trip for few days to Basra? and where do you advise to stay?
Is it safe to make a business trip for few days to Basra? and where do you advise to stay?
May 31st 2017, 7:15 am
#133
Just Joined
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 11
Re: How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
Yes it is safe but I would advise liaising with your client regarding your stay and travel. It's normal practice for the use of PSD to keep you safe and in most cases the client will provide this service for you.
Jun 8th 2017, 8:44 pm
#134
Just Joined
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1
Re: How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
Travelling to Rumaila Oil Field for work, one or two weeks max.Main concern travel from airport to the main ROO compound. How safe is the area?
Jun 11th 2017, 1:31 pm
#135
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Joined: Jul 2011
Location: Abu Scabby, UAE
Posts: 264
Re: How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
