Government decisions cover various housing and service sectors

The Cabinet adopted a new package of decisions during its regular meeting held on Tuesday, focusing on housing and service sectors, in addition to organizing multiple financial and legal files. Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi chaired the meeting, during which the general situation in the country was reviewed and files on the agenda were discussed to take necessary directives. The decisions included exempting imported medicines and foodstuffs from customs duties starting from October 7, 2026, aiming to support citizens' health and food security. In the context of accelerating housing complexes completion, the approval was given to refer the draft law on land ownership for the Housing Department to Parliament after being reviewed by the State Council. The Council also approved amending the criminal procedure code for legislative referral. To secure dues for investment projects and loans, recommendations were issued to amend previous decisions concerning projects funded according to various agreements and contracts, including the Iraqi-Chinese agreement, emergency support contracts, and deposits with relevant authorities. The Council agreed to increase the total investment allocations for the Ministry of Interior for 2026 to enhance its efficiency in line with the government program, in addition to allowing the Ministry of Health to retain service fees to secure direct financial funding. In economic and sectoral affairs, the Council approved an amendment regarding the calculation of fuel supply prices for the electric power contract with Taurus Arm Company, while including the retirement and social security department in previous decisions to protect workers' rights in the private industrial sector. At the higher education level, approval was granted to issue establishment licenses for private universities and colleges according to the law while completing ministerial requirements and paying prescribed fees to the generations fund. Finally, the Council approved issuing the ship lines system to ensure maritime navigation safety and develop shipping mechanisms.