Kurdistan Regional Government Launches Digital Identity-Based Payroll System

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has implemented a new centralized Digital Identity-Based Payroll Management System (PMS) in February 2025, marking a significant advancement in the region’s digital governance initiatives.

The system’s launch follows earlier plans announced in September 2024 to address payroll fraud and improve civil servant salary payments through biometric technology.

According to the KRG’s Department of Information Technology (DIT), the new system centralizes payroll management while enhancing transparency and efficiency in government financial operations. Hiwa Afandi, Head of the DIT, described the system as “a cornerstone of our digital transformation strategy” that will serve as a foundation for future digital government services.

The new payroll management system features centralized digital processing of payroll operations, enhanced transparency in financial transactions, improved accuracy in payment calculations and disbursements, and advanced data analytics capabilities for financial planning.

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani highlighted the system’s significance in the KRG’s broader digitization efforts, stating that it “marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to digitize government services and enhance transparency in our financial operations.”

The implementation positions the KRG among regional leaders in digital governance transformation, with the system expected to streamline government operations and improve service delivery to citizens.

The launch of this digital identity-based system represents the culmination of the KRG’s initiatives to modernize its payroll infrastructure and address previous challenges in civil servant salary management.