How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
Jul 20th 2013, 5:58 pm
#76
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 4
Re: How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
my brother in law was based in iraq for 3 years, he also said it isnt as bad as the media make it out to be.
Nov 6th 2013, 3:31 pm
#77
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 32
Re: How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
Anyone any experience with Majhoon as i have applied for a job with Woodgroup and being escorted by the shell security team
Dec 1st 2013, 6:01 am
#78
Just Joined
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 1
Re: How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
Hello,
I came across this thread while i was searching for something about Basra city , anyways i was curious to know what people think about Iraq. i am Iraqi; you can tell from my username. the security in Iraq is still a BIG problem; i am talking about the capital of Iraq; Baghdad. explosions, kidnapping. the current government is corrupted .millions of dollars go to the officials! Its crazy ! anyways i don't wanna bother with this. BUT i can tell you that Basra is safer than Baghdad thats for sure ! but doesn't mean you can hang out alone in the city without a trusted local or escorted by security guards ! the city is still recovering from war and 10 years of UN sanctions , indeed ; there are many projects going on in the city but again CORRUPTION is a big issue everywhere in Iraq. the economy is booming in Iraq but really slowly due to corruption and security! But your husband will not be in danger ! a lot of expats work in Basra from India, asia...etc and i never heard anything bad happened to them , so no worries ! Regards .
I came across this thread while i was searching for something about Basra city , anyways i was curious to know what people think about Iraq. i am Iraqi; you can tell from my username. the security in Iraq is still a BIG problem; i am talking about the capital of Iraq; Baghdad. explosions, kidnapping. the current government is corrupted .millions of dollars go to the officials! Its crazy ! anyways i don't wanna bother with this. BUT i can tell you that Basra is safer than Baghdad thats for sure ! but doesn't mean you can hang out alone in the city without a trusted local or escorted by security guards ! the city is still recovering from war and 10 years of UN sanctions , indeed ; there are many projects going on in the city but again CORRUPTION is a big issue everywhere in Iraq. the economy is booming in Iraq but really slowly due to corruption and security! But your husband will not be in danger ! a lot of expats work in Basra from India, asia...etc and i never heard anything bad happened to them , so no worries ! Regards .
Dec 2nd 2013, 4:08 pm
#79
Just Joined
Joined: Dec 2013
Location: Dubai
Posts: 1
Re: How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
I travel there all the time. I travel regularly in unmarked pickup vehicles withoout any form of private security (which is really a rip-off self-licking-lollipop). I often go into the city for a meal. If you stay away from the generally targetted areas of markets and mosques, I haven't seen any trouble at all. I was there in 2007 when it was IMPOSSIBLE to do this. In fact, in the BAsrah area, the Brits are very well liked. I'd say, don't worry at all.
Dec 4th 2013, 8:14 am
#80
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 82
Re: How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
What kind of salaries are on offer there I'm in construction managment well used of FIFO remote camp work, WA, QLD and Papua New Guniea, done 21/7, 28/9, 16/5 for years.
Fancy a change and it does sound exciting, money would need to be good to bat PNG tho, although that's a he'll hole Basra sounds better
Fancy a change and it does sound exciting, money would need to be good to bat PNG tho, although that's a he'll hole Basra sounds better
Jan 5th 2014, 5:41 pm
#81
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 16
Re: How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
Hello Asho7225 are you still in Iraq currently?
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
Jan 5th 2014, 5:45 pm
#82
Just Joined
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 16
Re: How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
Hello Howie1973. If you receive any information regarding Majnoon, please share as I am also trying to secure a role with either Shell or Eni in Basra. I have previously contracted in Iraq and would welcome the opportunity. Thanks and cheers. 
Feb 4th 2014, 4:13 pm
#83
Just Joined
Joined: Feb 2014
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
Hi Asho , you are still in Basra now? How is the situation there ? I have one offer and I don't want to screwup
May 9th 2014, 4:32 am
#85
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 32
Re: How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
Sorry been a while.
What do you mean worth going there?
If the money is right I'm sure its worth going anywhere.
But the security situation in Basra is fine. No car bombs for 6 months, yes criminality has increased but that's what happens when youre fighting an insurgency further north in the country. Most of the Army left which created a security vacuum which is currently being exploited by criminal gangs.
but unless youre working in the city, it shouldn't effect you.
In regards to majnoon. no real dramas up there, just a few tribal clashes every now and again, but again it doesn't involve expats.
What do you mean worth going there?
If the money is right I'm sure its worth going anywhere.
But the security situation in Basra is fine. No car bombs for 6 months, yes criminality has increased but that's what happens when youre fighting an insurgency further north in the country. Most of the Army left which created a security vacuum which is currently being exploited by criminal gangs.
but unless youre working in the city, it shouldn't effect you.
In regards to majnoon. no real dramas up there, just a few tribal clashes every now and again, but again it doesn't involve expats.
May 9th 2014, 5:53 am
#86
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 46
Re: How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
Sorry been a while.
What do you mean worth going there?
If the money is right I'm sure its worth going anywhere.
But the security situation in Basra is fine. No car bombs for 6 months, yes criminality has increased but that's what happens when youre fighting an insurgency further north in the country. Most of the Army left which created a security vacuum which is currently being exploited by criminal gangs.
but unless youre working in the city, it shouldn't effect you.
In regards to majnoon. no real dramas up there, just a few tribal clashes every now and again, but again it doesn't involve expats.
What do you mean worth going there?
If the money is right I'm sure its worth going anywhere.
But the security situation in Basra is fine. No car bombs for 6 months, yes criminality has increased but that's what happens when youre fighting an insurgency further north in the country. Most of the Army left which created a security vacuum which is currently being exploited by criminal gangs.
but unless youre working in the city, it shouldn't effect you.
In regards to majnoon. no real dramas up there, just a few tribal clashes every now and again, but again it doesn't involve expats.
I was referring to jobs on Majnoon.
May 9th 2014, 9:47 am
#87
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 32
Re: How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
If you can find a job in Majnoon, I wouldn't be too concerned with the security situation. The tribal issues are often the result of something very very very minor. (livestock grazing on someone else's land, someone taking someones car parking space I kid you not) and when these clashes do occur, the security teams avoid areas/ avoid going out!
Great facilities up there as well, so go for it! Best of luck!
Great facilities up there as well, so go for it! Best of luck!
May 9th 2014, 7:16 pm
#88
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 46
Re: How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
If you can find a job in Majnoon, I wouldn't be too concerned with the security situation. The tribal issues are often the result of something very very very minor. (livestock grazing on someone else's land, someone taking someones car parking space I kid you not) and when these clashes do occur, the security teams avoid areas/ avoid going out!
Great facilities up there as well, so go for it! Best of luck!
Great facilities up there as well, so go for it! Best of luck!
Any idea how they are housing the project team up there? Compounds or commuting from Basra?
May 10th 2014, 7:57 am
#89
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 32
Re: How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
Depending on the contract you get will depend on where you are based. Several large Compounds with single man accom. in Majnoon, West Qurna 1 West Qurna 2 etc. Good facilities, scoff, gyms etc etc etc.
Only time you commute from basra is from the airport, and when you need to get you bloods taken. other than that you remain up there.
Only time you commute from basra is from the airport, and when you need to get you bloods taken. other than that you remain up there.
Jul 8th 2014, 5:19 pm
#90
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2014
Location: UK
Posts: 2
Re: How safe is to work in Iraq, Basra?
Asho....
I've been offered a job in Abu Dhabi, but with visits to Basra..the security is provided by 'Shells' security contractor...
What you reckon, is this a bad move or reasonable..?
You still out there...?
Cheers mate, any advice appreciated...
I've been offered a job in Abu Dhabi, but with visits to Basra..the security is provided by 'Shells' security contractor...
What you reckon, is this a bad move or reasonable..?
You still out there...?
Cheers mate, any advice appreciated...
