Immigration Law at Iraq
Immigration law in Iraq is primarily governed by the Foreigners Residency Law No. 76 of 2017, which replaced older laws and regulates the entry, residence, and exit of foreigners. Here are the key features:
1. Entry Requirements
Foreign nationals must obtain a visa to enter Iraq.
Visas can include tourist, business, work, and diplomatic categories.
Special rules apply for certain nationalities and for residents of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), which sometimes has separate procedures.
2. Residence Permits
Foreigners staying longer than 15 days (outside Kurdistan Region) must obtain a residence permit.
Permits are usually issued for work, study, or family reunification.
A sponsoring employer or institution is typically required.
3. Work Permits
Required in addition to a residence permit for foreign workers.
Employers must apply on behalf of foreign employees.
There are strict quotas and conditions for hiring foreigners.
4. Deportation and Penalties
Violations of immigration laws can result in fines, detention, or deportation.
Illegal entry or overstaying a visa is treated seriously.
5. Refugees and Asylum
Iraq is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, but it hosts large numbers of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), particularly under UNHCR guidance.
6. Regional Differences
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has some autonomy and issues its own visas and residency permits.
Foreigners entering through KRI need additional paperwork to travel to federal Iraq.
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