The Ministry of Construction and Housing confirmed today, Thursday (May 7, 2026), that ownership transfer for squatters on state land is subject to strict legal controls, emphasizing accountability for violators who built after the specified date.
The ministry clarified that the ownership decision does not cover all squatting cases, but is limited to residential units constructed before December 10, 2024, confirming that any building erected after this date will be considered a violation and not covered by ownership procedures.
It noted that relevant authorities will review squatting files and verify compliance with conditions before initiating any legal ownership procedures, while taking action against new squatters in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
The residential squatting file remains one of the most complex issues in Iraq, due to the expansion of informal construction in recent years resulting from the housing crisis, population growth, and weak oversight of state lands.
The government seeks to address the file through regulatory and legal solutions that balance humanitarian considerations with preserving state property, alongside plans to develop housing and infrastructure projects in various provinces.
