AGP Executive Report

Turkish Higher Ed Crackdown: Turkey’s Official Gazette ordered the closure of Istanbul Bilgi University, citing insufficient education quality despite recent accreditation—sparking fears of another crackdown on private universities. NATO Summit Disruption: Ankara’s “makeover” ahead of a major NATO summit has brought road closures, shop shutdowns, and heavy security, drawing criticism that residents are treated like “unwanted guests.” Work & Migration Policy: Delhi ended its hybrid work-from-home and staggered timings for government staff after a reported US-Iran ceasefire, restoring normal office hours—while UK visa changes are leaving some Turkish families facing longer waits for stability. Labor & Hiring Signals: US hiring cooled and labor force participation hit a five-year low, adding pressure to job markets; in Turkey, “asset peace” rules let people declare overseas assets with a 5% advance tax. Energy/Trade Jobs Angle: Iran exploring oil sales to Japan under a sanctions waiver, with buyers seeking longer protection—potentially shaping regional energy-linked employment. Regional Conflict Impact: Israel resumed demolitions in southern Lebanon as Lebanon awaits a framework agreement phase, raising uncertainty for local livelihoods.

Turkey Education Crackdown: Istanbul Bilgi University’s licence was abruptly ordered closed via Turkey’s Official Gazette, with critics saying the move contradicts recent accreditation checks and revives fears of political pressure on higher education. Middle East Ceasefire Diplomacy: U.S. UN envoy Mike Waltz told Iran’s diplomat the Security Council “will not silence” it after drone/missile attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait, as talks shift to Doha. Iran–U.S. Negotiations Under Strain: Reports say Iran’s proposed $300bn reconstruction fund aims to pull in private capital, but investors worry pledges won’t translate into real money amid sanctions and IRGC influence. Espionage via Crypto: Israel indicted an American allegedly recruited through a Telegram “job ad” and paid about $1,379 in crypto for filming targets later hit by missiles—another sign of low-pay digital recruitment. Labor Market Signal: U.S. employers added 57,000 jobs in June, unemployment fell to 4.2%, but labor force exits rose, pointing to a cooling hiring pace. Jobs & HR in the Region: Egypt plans to raise public-sector minimum wage to EGP 8,000, while Turkey’s private-sector teachers suspended protests in Ankara after a NATO-summit crackdown. Tech Hiring/Skills: Israel’s AI-driven startups are scaling workforces, and Dubai’s Drillcube opened an EMEA hub in Dubai to support underground mining services.

Turkey Higher Education Crackdown: Turkey’s Official Gazette ordered the closure of Istanbul Bilgi University, alarming students and staff after no warning and despite recent quality accreditation checks. Iran Funeral & Labor/Cost Strain: Iran is preparing for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s dayslong funeral, with the regime seeking mass turnout amid war-linked economic hardship and job losses for ordinary Iranians. Gulf Hiring Cools: UAE non-oil private activity slowed to the weakest June in five years; employment contracted for the first time in over four years as firms absorbed Iran-war fallout and cost pressures. Saudi Labor Protections Push: Kenya’s Musalia Mudavadi begins a three-day Riyadh visit focused on stronger protections for Kenyan workers in Saudi Arabia (300,000+), including ethical recruitment and better dispute resolution. US Job Market Slows (Global Spillover): US unemployment aid filings edged down to 215,000, while hiring cooled sharply in June (57,000 jobs), easing rate-hike fears that ripple into regional hiring and investment sentiment. Strait of Hormuz Shipping Watch: BBC reports seized ships and shark fishermen on Iran’s side of the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting how conflict risk disrupts livelihoods and trade routes. UK Services Hit by Iran War: Britain’s services sector contracted for a second month, with firms citing Middle East conflict uncertainty and weaker demand.

Turkey Higher Education Crackdown: Istanbul Bilgi University’s sudden closure decree has reignited fears of renewed pressure on private universities, with critics saying the move contradicts recent accreditation checks. Iran Religious Freedom & HR Impact: Iran’s authorities and IRGC are moving to seize Tehran’s oldest Protestant church, St. Peter Evangelical Church, pressuring low-income families to leave and escalating pressure on evangelical communities. Gaza Postwar Planning: Gaza’s “postwar architecture” is being discussed via the NCAG and “Hamas-free” temporary communities concept, but implementation hurdles inside the Green Zone remain a major blocker. Middle East Security & Jobs Climate: A Damascus cafe bombing highlights instability risks that can disrupt hiring and workplace safety. Labor Market Signals (US, spillover for MENA hiring): The US added 57,000 jobs in June and unemployment fell to 4.2%, but the drop is tied to fewer people seeking work—fueling cautious hiring expectations. Saudi Employment Compliance: Saudi Arabia’s evolving labor framework (Qiwa, wage protection, and mobility rules) continues reshaping how employers manage expat transfers and workforce deployment. Iraq Anti-Corruption Push: Iraq’s PM stresses state protection and corruption crackdowns, with officials citing stolen funds exceeding $2T—likely to affect public-sector hiring and procurement.

Lebanon War Costs: Lebanon’s Economy and Trade Minister Amer Bisat says Israel’s war damage could top $8B, with about $2B already hit since March, including factory closures, agricultural damage, job losses, and a tourism slump, while consumer prices are up ~20% and household spending down 20–25%. U.S.-Iran Talks & Hormuz: US and Iranian negotiators met separately in Doha with Qatari and Pakistani mediators, reporting “positive progress” and agreeing to continue discussions; the next round is expected after Ayatollah Khamenei’s funeral, as the Strait of Hormuz and frozen funds remain key sticking points. Iraq Anti-Corruption: Iraq says stolen public funds since 2003 exceed $2T, with public trials and more arrests as suspects confess and cases expand beyond embezzlement into illicit wealth. UAE SME Insurance Digitised: Mashreq and Sukoon launched embedded SME insurance in MashreqBiz, letting businesses buy workmen’s compensation and third-party liability coverage digitally. Egypt Jobs via Energy Storage: Egypt granted “Golden Licenses” for $800M battery storage projects in Aswan and Suez, targeting about 3,050 jobs. Turkey Higher Ed Crackdown Watch: Turkey’s Official Gazette ordered closure of Istanbul Bilgi University, raising fresh concerns about renewed pressure on higher education.

Iran-US diplomacy vs force: Indirect technical talks in Doha resumed via Qatari and Pakistani intermediaries on Strait of Hormuz shipping and a ceasefire framework, but Tehran and Washington traded claims about direct meetings while US officials said Trump is weighing “finishing the job” with renewed strikes if talks stall. Labor market watch: US job openings held at 7.6M in May as hiring stayed soft, while new data and Fed Chair Warsh’s comments kept investors focused on inflation and rates. Manufacturing signals: US ISM manufacturing PMI eased to 53.3 in June, and Reuters linked slower activity to fading “front-loading” from Middle East disruption; hiring in manufacturing looked steadier than feared. Saudi enforcement: Saudi Arabia arrested 22 in a Riyadh drug trafficking network, including 19 Saudis, underscoring security pressure on labor and communities. Egypt business moves: Raya Holding completed Ostool Land Transportation stake transfer to Ascom’s unit, while Misr Italia Properties fully acquired Misr Italia Holding and unveiled an EGP 8B investment plan tied to hotel expansion and thousands of jobs. Turkey jobs/industry: US NATO envoy Matthew Whitaker urged allies to be “more like Türkiye” on defense industrial capacity ahead of the Ankara summit. OFW support: 49 distressed overseas Filipino workers received rice aid after Middle East conflict forced repatriations and safety-related job losses.

Jobs & Hiring Signals: U.S. job openings stayed resilient at 7.6 million in May, but hiring stayed soft as gross hiring slipped and layoffs rose—an uneven picture for workers watching the labor market. Middle East Labor Policy: Saudi Arabia extended the work-permit status correction deadline for some expats to end-2026, urging employers and workers to regularize before enforcement kicks in. Jordan Jobs Push: The World Bank approved a $700m loan for Jordan to turn macro stability into private investment, finance access, and more jobs, with a green and digital transition focus. SME & Investment Leadership: IFC appointed Imad N. Fakhoury as Regional Vice President for the Middle East and Central Asia, with a mandate to mobilize private capital and support job creation across 21 countries. Turkey Economy & Work: Turkey’s manufacturing contracted in June as Middle East-linked disruption hit demand and supply; employment was scaled back. Business Climate in the Region: Spain’s manufacturing shrank in June for the first time in three months, with employment falling and firms cutting purchasing amid Iran-war cost pressures. Defense-Tech & Employment Angle: Anduril-linked investors backed an Israeli underground-warfare startup, highlighting continued hiring demand in defense engineering niches. Geopolitics & Hiring Mood: Iran’s refusal to meet U.S. envoys in Qatar kept markets cautious and added uncertainty around shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Work Permits: Saudi Arabia urged expatriates to renew “Rukhsa Amal” work permits on time, warning of legal action if deadlines are missed. Labor Oversight: Iraq’s Karbala refinery is under scrutiny after an MP alleged hundreds of foreign workers were employed without valid permits and that related contracts may breach labor and financial rules. UNRWA Funding Pressure: Türkiye’s UN envoy warned UNRWA faces unprecedented political attacks alongside chronic funding shortfalls, calling for stronger international support. Middle East Jobs & Growth: The World Bank said agrifood investment across Menaap could create up to 5 million jobs by 2050, with processing, logistics and services driving growth. MENA Reform Push: IMF urged MENA countries to treat shocks as a chance to rethink growth models and accelerate structural reforms while creating jobs for a rapidly growing workforce. Tech & Startups: Israel announced a NIS 1.6bn aid package to help tech firms cope with a fast-rising shekel. Markets & Hiring Signals: US job openings hit a two-year high at 7.6M in May, suggesting demand remains steady even as hiring moderates. Geopolitics Watch: Iran-US Doha talks remain in focus, with Iran saying no US meeting is planned while mediators discuss MoU implementation.

Türkiye Jobs Watch: Turkey’s unemployment stayed at 8.2% in May; jobless count rose to 2.88m, with youth unemployment up to 14.8% and women’s joblessness at 10.5%. Internships & Talent Pipelines: UAE’s Innovation City launched its first Summer Internship Program in Ras Al Khaimah, placing 36 AURAK students into live roles across AI, CS, business, media and accounting. Hiring & Compliance Costs: Flanders will charge employers €180 per application for recruiting non-EU migrant workers from 2027, aiming to push firms to hire locally first. Security & Work Disruption Risk: Clashes in Iran’s Kurdistan and western regions left police and IRGC personnel dead or injured, while southern Syria’s Abdin saw residents resist Israeli troop incursions—both signals of instability that can disrupt regional labor and mobility. Policy Signals for Employers: Iran’s president said Tehran will honor the US MoU only if Washington does too, as Doha talks are expected—an uncertainty factor for cross-border hiring and business planning. Career Demand Trend: A Remitly study found virtual assistant is now Filipinos’ top “dream job,” reflecting rising demand for flexible digital work.

Disability-to-work push in Kuwait: Kuwait’s Social Affairs ministry backed a “Partners for Their Employment” graduation, aiming to integrate people with disabilities into the labor market under Vision 2035, with 100 new trainees and a reported 97.6% job retention rate across batches. Iraq anti-corruption drive: Iraq’s “Dawn Crackdown” saw Sunni political leaders endorse arrests and call for equal law enforcement, as reports said 67+ people were detained in the first 24 hours and more than 200 are expected. US-Iran talks in Doha: Trump says high-level meetings with Iran will resume Tuesday in Qatar, with envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner traveling, while Iran disputes whether technical working-group sessions are planned; shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted as both sides trade warnings. Kuwait labor discipline probe: Kuwait referred 20 employees for investigation over skipping official working hours, signaling tighter enforcement of workplace rules. UN concern over Iraq detention: UN rights experts warned about a Dubai resident detained in Iraq for five years over a work contract dispute, citing worsening health and limited access to specialist care. Iran pressure on Iraq’s Kurdish file: Reports say Iran is pressing Baghdad to detain or expel Iranian Kurdish opposition groups from Iraq’s Kurdistan region.

US-Iran Hormuz Ceasefire Talks: After fresh strikes and threats, the US and Iran agreed to halt attacks “for now” and resume talks in Doha, with shipping and oil markets watching closely. Oman Navigation Committee: Iran says it held the first joint committee meeting with Oman in Muscat on managing navigation in the Strait of Hormuz under the MoU framework. Lebanon–Israel Framework Shock: Lebanon’s Hezbollah ally Nabih Berri says the US-brokered Israel-Lebanon framework deal “will not be adopted,” raising uncertainty over security and jobs tied to reconstruction. Oman Summer Rest Enforcement: Oman’s labour ministry will penalize employers for violating mandatory midday summer work breaks, with unannounced inspections and heat-safety requirements. Saudi Expats Work Permit Crackdown: Saudi’s Qiwa sets July 1 as the deadline to renew expired work permits or transfer services before removals from employers’ records. Egypt Data Centers Push: Egypt is accelerating data center investment, banking on electricity capacity and Digital Egypt reforms to attract hyperscalers and create jobs. HR & Payroll Community: ProHRPay Consulting launches a Middle East Payroll Association to connect payroll professionals and boost compliance and best practices. FMTECH Leadership Change: FMTECH appoints Mike Thompson as CEO after JLL’s stake-backed transition, signaling continued Saudi facilities management growth. Real Estate Demand Softening: Housing sales in major cities fell 6% in Apr–Jun as buyers pause amid economic uncertainty and higher prices.

US-Iran Ceasefire Strains: The US and Iran agreed to halt recent Gulf hostilities and renew talks over Hormuz, but the truce is already fraying after fresh strikes and threats, with Iran saying it controls the Strait of Hormuz for 30 days and the US warning it will hit again if shipping is targeted. Gulf Fallout: Iran’s IRGC claimed missile and drone attacks on US-linked sites in Kuwait and Bahrain after US strikes, while shipping traffic through Hormuz reportedly fell sharply, raising fears of a wider regional spillover. Diplomacy Under Pressure: Iran pulled out of technical talks, citing unmet MoU conditions and access to frozen funds, as Pakistan urged strict adherence to the ceasefire and kept communication channels open. Lebanon Track: Israel and Lebanon’s US-brokered framework deal sparked protests in Beirut, with Hezbollah-linked demonstrators rejecting terms and warning the conflict’s political end is not the same as security on the ground. Saudi HR Update: Saudi Arabia’s Qiwa platform set a June 30 deadline for employers to renew expired work permits or transfer services, with removal procedures starting July 1 for permits expired over three months. Saudi Tourism Tech: Saudi launched an AI Tourism Vision and a new TourismX platform to push digital transformation across the visitor journey. Workforce/Offshoring (Egypt): Egypt is doubling down on digital freelancing to boost exports, citing a large technical talent pipeline and the need to capture more global demand. Safety/Jobs Impact (Saudi): An Aramco helicopter crash near Ras Tanura killed 14, with an investigation underway.

Gulf Ceasefire Under Strain: The US and Iran traded fresh strikes after a Panama-flagged tanker was hit near the Strait of Hormuz, with Washington targeting Iranian missile/drone storage and coastal radar sites and Tehran retaliating by firing drones and missiles at US-linked bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. Escalation Warnings: Donald Trump said the US could “militarily complete the job” and that Iran “will no longer exist” if ceasefire violations continue, while Iran warned of a forceful response and said diplomatic processes could be halted. Regional Fallout: Kuwait and Bahrain condemned the attacks as sovereignty violations, reporting intercepted missiles/drones and some damage in Bahrain. Diplomacy Moves: Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi is set to travel to Baghdad for talks with Iraqi officials amid the fragile, Pakistan-brokered de-escalation. Jobs & Skills (Egypt): The US Embassy in Cairo held graduations for its ECRAiL program, training Egyptians in career-ready English, AI literacy, and workplace skills. Iraq Employment Pressure: Hundreds of graduates protested in Diyala and Kirkuk demanding government jobs and faster recruitment.

Israel-Lebanon Framework: Netanyahu says Israel will withdraw from two “pilot zones” in southern Lebanon, but Defense Minister Katz warns troops won’t leave the security zone until Hezbollah is disarmed. US-Iran Ceasefire Strain: Iran and the US trade strikes again after a tanker is hit in the Strait of Hormuz; Bahrain reports Iranian drone attacks, while Gulf states condemn Tehran’s actions. Strait of Hormuz Dispute: Iran insists ships need prior authorization and rejects “permission-based” transit, as maritime threat levels rise and vessels seek permits. Syrian Kurds Stand Aside: Syria’s Kurdish PYD says its forces won’t join any Hezbollah clash, citing training coordination with the Syrian army. Saudi Crackdown on Irregular Migration: Saudi authorities arrested 15,231 illegal residents in a week and deported 11,297, with labor-law and border violations among the main cases. Work & Migration Policy: Turkey exempts Syrians under temporary protection from work-permit requirements to improve access to jobs. HR/Health Investment: UAE’s Specialized Rehabilitation Hospital breaks ground on a major extension to expand inpatient, outpatient and rehab services. Food Prices: Thai 5% white rice rises to $483/ton as Iraq demand supports prices ahead of new crop arrivals. World Cup & Jobs Angle: Iran’s goalkeeper heroics and the Socceroos’ next match against Egypt keep attention on the region’s talent pipeline—while broader job-market coverage notes hiring may stay steady.

Middle East Security: Iran and the US traded strikes again after a cargo ship was hit near the Strait of Hormuz, with Washington saying it targeted missile/drone storage and coastal radar sites and Tehran/IRGC claiming retaliatory attacks on US-linked positions—both sides accuse the other of violating the ceasefire and the MoU. Diplomacy Under Strain: Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned US-GCC statements as “interventionist” and warned Gulf states not to allow their territory for attacks, while Pakistan and Iran reiterated commitments to regional peace amid the renewed escalation. Regional Peace Talks: The US-backed Lebanon-Israel framework agreement was signed in Washington, outlining a phased Israeli withdrawal and Lebanese Army control, but Hezbollah is not part of the process and disputes remain. Governance & Compliance: Saudi Arabia approved a law for managing seized and confiscated assets in money laundering and terrorism financing cases, aiming to improve transparency and protect public and private interests. Work & Migration Impact: Catholic bishops urged Congress to extend Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians after the US Supreme Court cleared the path to end TPS, warning of major consequences for families and communities. Jobs Watch (US): Weekly jobless aid applications fell to 215,000, suggesting layoffs remain low despite economic uncertainty.

US-Iran Tensions: The Pentagon says US forces struck Iran after an attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, with Trump calling it a ceasefire violation. Shipping & Energy: Hormuz transit is improving via alternative routes even as tanker rates swing—rates on the Saudi-to-China run fell sharply as war risk eased. Diplomacy in the Gulf: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio toured UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain to reassure Gulf partners they won’t be undermined by the US-Iran track. Israel-Lebanon Talks: US-mediated negotiations stalled over Israel’s “Yellow Line” withdrawal plans, with Lebanon pushing for full withdrawal and Israel signaling it will keep key positions. Immigration & Work Rights (US): A Supreme Court ruling ends TPS protections for Haitians and Syrians, raising fears of job losses and wider impacts for employers—especially in Florida. Turkey Courts & Safety: A Turkish court convicted hotel and pest-control workers over a deadly insecticide poisoning of a German family, handing long prison terms. Workforce & Economy (US): Fed’s Kashkari penciled in one rate hike this year, warning inflation risks could return if Middle East tensions worsen. Regional Business: Qatar placed 3rd in Forbes Middle East’s Top 100 Arab family businesses list, highlighting GCC hiring and investment momentum.