Should I go to Iraq?

[Pushka]

Follow this guys advise. Knows what he's talking about.

One question not listed there, and possibly THE most important one. What does your wife think?

 

[Spongbob]

Given the advice from DFAT <https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/advice/Iraq> I doubt insurance would cover you.

 

[love_the_life]

One question not listed there, and possibly THE most important one. What does your wife think?

His wife doesn't want him to go (from the original post) but is leaving it up to him. Certainly one job offer I would be thinking twice about accepting but I'm not in that position.

 

[UP4014]

Going for a few days for a specific task is one thing as security (western) can be arranged, but I would not be there at present.


While I think Columbia is still rated as the most dangerous place for gringo kidnappings they mostly turn out ok as they do want the money, extremists don't care for a reasoned discussion on your release.


You can't argue with a terrorist.


I would not be going. (unless you are a some sort of special forces type)


Matt

 

[drron]

I know I wouldn't go.
If forced I probably pick Kurdistan over other regions in Iraq as the Kurds are much more likely to stand up to IS.Especially now having US air support.
However the recent videos from IS remain extremely disturbing.
Googled working in Kurdistan which i guess you have done but first the US State dept advice-
Iraq Travel Warning

And an Iraqi Expat site-
Iraq forum, forum expat Iraq

I would echo others in the importance given to your wife's wishes.

 

[JohnK]

Not worth the risk in my opinion.

 

[trippin_the_rift]

Tell us how many zeros are being added to the payrise...

 

[smithy]

Do not go there. My brother has been based in Erbil which is in the northern part of Iraq and works for American oil company for the past 3 years.
He had compound facility and armed guards and escorts. His company evacuated all of its personnel with my brother being the last one out on Monday night. He is worldly experienced and has seen it all. He is one very relieved person to be out of there. He would return if things get back to normal....in meantime do not go..

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I have no problems with working in PNG even though some others find it difficult. There is no way I'd even consider Iraq. Expats do work there though....your choice I guess.

 

[Buzzard]

Put it this way, if you go make sure you have all your "affairs" in order. By the way, have you asked your employer if they are buying one way tickets or return?

 

[puppysparkes]

Born raised and returned to work in png. I saw some fun in my time. Still have many friends scattered throughout and hear interesting recollections. In all honesty I believe you may experience a decent beat down in png but you'd live and you'd see your family again. Not so sure about Iraq. Seriously if you haven't been visited by raskols it's just a matter of time regardless of the precautions you may take. If you do go to Iraq make sure you take appropriate steps to ensure your family is set for life in the event of an adverse outcome.

 

[yo yo ma]

...but part of me thinks you are trolling.

Not trolling mate... 100% serious offer of employment from my company.

Having met and shared a few beers with the OP......he is not a troll!

Cheers, we'll have to catch-up again soon.

 

[yo yo ma]

Are you compound based? Is the compound the work site?
Do you have permanant armed security?
Is the security provided by foreigners?
What is the security companies name ? ( then do research on them)
Get a action report from the site for the last 12 months showing all incidents.
Is the remuneration significant (my mate earner a lotto win each contract so set him and his young family up for life)
Will you be insured for kidnap -as in full negotiation and ransom payment?
What is the food like on site (that's a quick way to make it a cough assignment)

There is a lot of questions like that you need to answer and do NOT skimp on the finer details in making your decision.

Thanks ReLoad... great points.
Yes it is a compound with expat security staff. It is a significant remuneration increase with full insurance. Haven't heard about the camp details yet.

 

[yo yo ma]

Can you stay in PNG though?

What are your employment options if you decline the 'offer' ie do you still have the option to stay in PNG...

Yes we have the option to remain in PNG and continue with the current contract.

 

[yo yo ma]

I have no problems with working in PNG even though some others find it difficult.

Seriously if you haven't been visited by raskols it's just a matter of time regardless of the precautions you may take.

After over 8 years in PNG I guess I am after a change... so far I have been lucky and haven't had any security issues in PNG. The people have been great.

 

[yo yo ma]

Do not go there. My brother has been based in Erbil which is in the northern part of Iraq and works for American oil company for the past 3 years.
He had compound facility and armed guards and escorts. His company evacuated all of its personnel with my brother being the last one out on Monday night. He is worldly experienced and has seen it all. He is one very relieved person to be out of there. He would return if things get back to normal....in meantime do not go..

Thanks smithy... great to read some advice from someone on the ground.

We would be flying to DBX-ISU (Sulaimaniyah) airport.

 

[puppysparkes]

If you aren't their already and I doubt it unless you're in with BAT, can you base yourself in Madang at all?From when I was there last there is a reasonable social scene that doesn't involve drinking. Golf squash fishing diving etc.

 

[NFF]

Are you going there to play cello ? I know of a person who had a rewarding job in Egypt but he was caught in the uprising. Every worker had to be locked in for days and there was no way out. We live in a time of uncertainty, you never know what will happen tomorrow. However you can leave it up to fate.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

If employer pays, employee as flyer can earn FF points?
The J seating would be nice, but if its not a QF flight number on EK to and from Baghdad, it's not a good thing though as no SC earnt.

 

[prozac]

I have been offered a transfer from my company's operations in PNG to Iraq ......... trips are on QF/Emirates in business (as flights are >6 hours). My wife said I shouldn't go but will leave the decision up to me. I am leaning towards going at this stage. Thoughts and advice welcomed.

I was in the Persian port of Bandar-e-Shahpour (now Bandar Khomeini, Iran) when the civil war started in 1978. The military forces were vying for top position in the area. I just wished I was somewhere else.

If you need to ask the question I think you may well have answered it. Surely you are not being influenced by the J points earn?
If the wife changes her mind just check if your insurance cover has been increased.