
The situation
The Ministry of Interior has reinstated the process allowing holders of entry visas and multi-entry-exit visas that expired before November 27, 2017 to obtain an exit visa at an immigration counter at international airports in Federal Iraq.
Those who undergo this process will be subject to a fine of IQD 500,000 upon exit, due to the fact that they are still in Iraq past the expiry of their visa.
Longer process still applies to some
Those whose visas expired after November 27, 2017 must obtain their exit visa according to the new longer process, which involves the employer submitting the request with the respective Ministry of Interior’s Directorate of Residence ahead of departure from Iraq.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
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