The Ministry of Construction and Housing confirmed on Thursday (May 7, 2026) that the ownership of squatters on state lands is subject to strict legal controls, emphasizing accountability for violators who built after the specified date.

The Ministry clarified in a statement that the ownership decision does not include all squatting cases, but is limited to residential units built before December 10, 2024, confirming that any building constructed after this date will be considered a violation and not covered by ownership procedures.

It added that relevant authorities will review squatting files and ensure compliance with conditions before initiating any legal procedures related to ownership, while taking measures against new squatters in accordance with applicable systems and instructions.

The residential squatting file is one of the most complex files 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 organizational and legal solutions that balance humanitarian aspects with preserving state property, alongside plans to develop housing and infrastructure projects in various governorates.