Man named Saddam Hussein refused 40 jobs

More than 10 years after being executed, former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein continues to have a huge presence in the life of one man.

A marine engineer in India sharing the former Iraqi leader's name has been refused a job 40 times. The 25-year-old has now gone to court to change his name to Sajid. However, he's still unable to secure a job.



Two years after graduating from Tamil Nadu’s Noorul Islam University, the man from Jharkand realised the repercussions of his name.

Even though Saddam-now-Sajid did well at college, shipping companies turned him away because of his name. “People are scared to hire me,” he said. According to him, employers tend to fear complications from immigration officials across international borders.

The 25-year-old thought he might overcome this issue by getting a new passport, driving license and more but his job applications are still not proceeding as he cannot provide proof of going to school under his new name.



Another court hearing is due to take place on May 5 to force authorities to change his name on secondary school certificates as well, after which his graduation papers will need amending.

Saddam-now-Sajid is not alone in this unfortunate situation as there are many Saddam Husseins of Iraq who face a similar ordeal.

This article originally appeared on Hindustan Times.