Iraqi envoy, Mohsin Naqvi discuss issues of Pakistani pilgrims

ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Religious Affairs Chaudhary Salik Hussain met with Iraqi Ambassador Hamid Abbas Lafta to discuss measures to facilitate Pakistani pilgrims visiting Iraq, the Interior Ministry said.

The meeting focused on enhancing facilities for pilgrims, including the issuance of free entry visas and increasing the quota for Pakistani pilgrims. Interior Minister Naqvi assured the Iraqi envoy that action would be taken against travel agents who charged extra fees from pilgrims. He highlighted that every year, hundreds of thousands of Pakistani pilgrims visit Iraq, but they face certain issues, especially during the months of Muharram and Safar.

Naqvi stated that the government is committed to providing maximum facilities to these pilgrims. He emphasized that if the Iraqi government allows free entry visas to the pilgrims, it will greatly facilitate their travel. Additionally, he requested the Iraqi government to double the quota for Pakistani pilgrims this year and to waive the passport submission requirement upon entering Iraq, which causes problems for pilgrims upon their return.

The Iraqi ambassador agreed to cooperate fully in this regard.

He also provided a list of travel agents who had charged extra fees from pilgrims. Minister Naqvi assured that strict action would be taken against these travel agents within a week.

During the meeting, both sides agreed to finalize an agreement on visa exemption for diplomatic and official passport holders soon. Furthermore, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis & HRD and the Iraqi Ministry of Labour will be signed soon to facilitate the issuance of work permits for Pakistani citizens in Iraq.

Federal Minister Chaudhary Salik Hussain stated that the MoU will make it easier for Pakistani citizens to obtain work permits in Iraq. He also mentioned that it will increase legal immigration and reduce illegal entry into Iraq.

The interior minister also assured the Iraqi ambassador of full cooperation in resolving the issue of illegal Pakistani residents in Iraq.

The Iraqi ambassador congratulated Mohsin Naqvi on his appointment as Interior Minister and extended an invitation for him to visit Iraq. The meeting was also attended by Federal Secretary Interior Khurram Ali Agha and senior officials of the Iraqi Embassy.