Would you live and work in Iraq for the right money?!!?

[torqueofthedevil]

I have been offered a job working in Northern Iraq (Kurdistan) in a city called Erbil.

Salary would be good (less than 100k though)but tax free.

Person I spoke to was very positive, explaining that its much safer up there, and other than the other week, there hasnt been any bombings etc for about 6 years.

City of 2 million people and regarded as "relatively" safe.

However, doesnt change the fact that its still one of the most dangerous countries on the planet! Pretty shocking descriptions on the Foreign Office website, reminding you that kidnapping of foreigners is still common in some cities, recommends that you only travel with an armed guard, etc.

Anyone any experience of Kurdinstan?

[vixen1700]

Personally, not a chance, mate.

[Vieste]

Never haved worked in iraq but I would given the chance.

[tuffer]

What value do you put on your life? I travel in the Middle East extensively, I would not set foot in Iraq.

[Moominho]

I would, especially if it was 4 weeks on 4 weeks off like a lot of roles over there.

[torqueofthedevil]

without getting political about it, having read up on Iraq it is a real shame what has happened to the country. Once a rich and prosperous country, i think it was once fairly safe. My old man used to work there a bit in the 90's.

Now it still has its natural resources but obviously all the terrorism which will be blighting the lives of ordinary people wanting to get on with their lives.

Amazing history, some of the oldest cities in the world there.

[valiant]

Spend a week in Croydon first to acclimatise.

Survive there and nowhere in the world is off limits...

[Tim330]

I work in oil & gas & was once asked if I'd like a job there. I was told in the plane on the way in you were provided with 2 bullet proof vests, one to wear & one to sit on during descent, that put me off!

[Blackpuddin]

This is part of a story of a Brit riding a C90 from Asia back home.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2LEgowbzSc
It's Iran not Iraq but it serves to show that our preconceptions are not always correct.

[Fozziebear]

What's the job? Will you be living in a guarded compound and being escorted whilst outside by armed Kurds? If it's power lines or pipeline you will have armed escorts and guards, if they are Kurds it's a good idea to get to know them, tough little buggers. When we went up North from Baghdad we used to take our bulletproof vests off and chill, still had weapons but more relaxed. From memory Erbil had a good gun market where you could pick up some nice weapons cheap. Kurds are nice people, very friendly and loyal. I spent a year in Iraq, didn't have any issues up north. We had the luxury of being able to travel the whole country without having to ask permission, we did roll heavy, and we went to some holes.

[DuraAce]

Depending on the rotation then I would consider it for sure. For a package with flights/good time at home then I would be all over it. For a mon-fri job with no time in the UK then the money would have to be much higher.

[Willy Nilly]

A mate of mine got asked to quote to build two football pitches in Baghdad, he didn't. Wimp.

[Fozziebear]

Willy Nilly said:

A mate of mine got asked to quote to build two football pitches in Baghdad, he didn't. Wimp.

I could provide the security for that, wouldn't be cheap

[s p a c e m a n]

Just had a look on google maps, looks alright to me. I would do it, it's not like they're just going to give you a plane ticket and expect you to make it up as you go along is it.

[J4CKO]

Yeah, why not, could have fun running into the office with a towel on your head shouting "Allu Akhbar" or whatever.

[Rachie]

Kurdistan is meant to be a peaceful and welcoming part of the country. I had rave reviews about it from a Lonely Planet author even back in 2009.

I'd definitely go

[Willy Nilly]

Fozziebear said:

Willy Nilly said:

A mate of mine got asked to quote to build two football pitches in Baghdad, he didn't. Wimp.

I could provide the security for that, wouldn't be cheap

He has a disabled wife to take care of so he probably doesn't want to leave her on her own. I guess it would be a state funded reconstruction job so the security would be half decent. A risk for sure, but it would be a good experience if nothing else. A side from the human element it looks a nice part of the world.

[paul0843]

An Iraqi friend of mine does contract building work for the Americans.
He has had a warning to stop or he will be killed by local militias..
His still doing it as rewards very high,but his under no illusion
of dangers involved..

[Fozziebear]

Willy Nilly said:

Fozziebear said:

Willy Nilly said:

A mate of mine got asked to quote to build two football pitches in Baghdad, he didn't. Wimp.

I could provide the security for that, wouldn't be cheap

He has a disabled wife to take care of so he probably doesn't want to leave her on her own. I guess it would be a state funded reconstruction job so the security would be half decent. A risk for sure, but it would be a good experience if nothing else. A side from the human element it looks a nice part of the world.

I wouldn't bet on the state funded security being any more than 2 guys with 30 rounds each. It's not the life for a family man, unless you are tight.

[stevesingo]

Erbil is benign and surprisingly cosmopolitan (you can get beer!). No issue here. If you don't want to do it for that money, I will.