Iraq: Delays Expected in Processing Immigration Applications for Companies in Oil and Gas Sector
September 23, 2022
The Federal Supreme Court issued a ruling invalidating the Iraq Cabinet’s decision that established the Iraq National Oil Company (INOC) on the basis that the decision was unconstitutional. As a result, the INOC, which was established two years ago, will no longer be permitted to operate. The INOC was part of the Ministry of Oil and played an important role in the immigration process as a liaison between oil and gas companies and the Ministry of Interior for issuance of visa invitation letters and approvals. It is expected that the Ministry of Oil will establish new mechanisms for private sector companies and government agencies responsible for visa approval to liaise with each other now that the INOC will no longer be operating. This is likely to take a significant amount of time, and, combined with the current political unrest in Iraq, may negatively affect immigration processes for companies in the oil and gas sector by lengthening processing times for related visas and creating uncertainty around how the new processes will operate. Additionally, companies with oil and gas contracts approved by INOC may be required to redraft their contracts to meet new criteria and resubmit them to a new body within the Ministry of Oil. Further information will be provided to affected clients.
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].
Explore more at Fragomen
Podcast
Partners Cosmina Morariu and Rahul Soni examine how immigration and global mobility trends are influencing workforce strategy across the luxury sector.
Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit compares the EU’s new Visa Strategy with the UK’s post-Brexit immigration system and assesses what the UK can learn to remain competitive for global talent.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights that new electronic signature rules may delay work permit procedures for foreign workers in Poland.
Blog post
Senior US Consular Manager Brian L. Simmons outlines how evolving US visitor visa rules, travel bans and new financial requirements may affect attendance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and how early fans must prepare.
Video
In this video, Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas explains the statutory director visa, outlining who qualifies, key compliance considerations and what employers and directors should consider when planning appointments or changes to board leadership.
Fragomen news
Fragomen’s "Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector" introduces visa options available for those working and recruiting in the tech sector.
Media mentions
Europe Managing Partner George Koureas highlights the growing role of immigration in shaping global business and managing strategic risks.
Blog post
Senior Associate Tayyaba Karim and Immigration Consultant Khadija Begum examine key UK immigration developments affecting the tech sector at the start of 2026, including higher sponsorship costs, new Skilled Worker English language requirements and emerging policy reforms shaping workforce planning.
Blog post
Assistant Business Immigration Manager Shirley Kock and Senior Business Immigration Consultant Eunice Leo examine why applying early for Singapore permanent residency can strengthen long-term outcomes for foreign professionals and their families amid increasing competition and evolving immigration policies.
Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit outlines key passport and documentation considerations for British and Irish dual nationals as the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme moves into full enforcement from 25 February 2026, warning that failure to carry proof of British or Irish citizenship may result in boarding delays or refusal.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Géraldine Renaudière highlights how evolving policies and growing talent visa programs are shaping France’s immigration landscape.
Video
Senior Immigration Consultant Adriana Martinez Garro outlines the main visa and residency options available in Costa Rica, offering a practical overview for visitors, remote workers, retirees, investors and families exploring short- or long-term pathways.
Podcast
Partners Cosmina Morariu and Rahul Soni examine how immigration and global mobility trends are influencing workforce strategy across the luxury sector.
Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit compares the EU’s new Visa Strategy with the UK’s post-Brexit immigration system and assesses what the UK can learn to remain competitive for global talent.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights that new electronic signature rules may delay work permit procedures for foreign workers in Poland.
Blog post
Senior US Consular Manager Brian L. Simmons outlines how evolving US visitor visa rules, travel bans and new financial requirements may affect attendance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and how early fans must prepare.
Video
In this video, Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas explains the statutory director visa, outlining who qualifies, key compliance considerations and what employers and directors should consider when planning appointments or changes to board leadership.
Fragomen news
Fragomen’s "Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector" introduces visa options available for those working and recruiting in the tech sector.
Media mentions
Europe Managing Partner George Koureas highlights the growing role of immigration in shaping global business and managing strategic risks.
Blog post
Senior Associate Tayyaba Karim and Immigration Consultant Khadija Begum examine key UK immigration developments affecting the tech sector at the start of 2026, including higher sponsorship costs, new Skilled Worker English language requirements and emerging policy reforms shaping workforce planning.
Blog post
Assistant Business Immigration Manager Shirley Kock and Senior Business Immigration Consultant Eunice Leo examine why applying early for Singapore permanent residency can strengthen long-term outcomes for foreign professionals and their families amid increasing competition and evolving immigration policies.
Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit outlines key passport and documentation considerations for British and Irish dual nationals as the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme moves into full enforcement from 25 February 2026, warning that failure to carry proof of British or Irish citizenship may result in boarding delays or refusal.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Géraldine Renaudière highlights how evolving policies and growing talent visa programs are shaping France’s immigration landscape.
Video
Senior Immigration Consultant Adriana Martinez Garro outlines the main visa and residency options available in Costa Rica, offering a practical overview for visitors, remote workers, retirees, investors and families exploring short- or long-term pathways.