The Interior Minister also urged the Iraqi authorities to double the quota of Pakistani visitors this year, a request that the ambassador agreed to consider.
ISLAMABAD: Iraqi Ambassador Hamid Abbas Lafta met with Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Religious Affairs Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain to discuss key measures aimed at enhancing the pilgrimage experience for Pakistani visitors.
During the meeting at the Ministry of Interior, the officials focused on allowing fee-free entry visas for pilgrims and increasing the quota of Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Iraq. Minister Naqvi assured the ambassador that action would be taken against travel agents who illegally impose excessive fees on travelers.
“Millions of Pakistanis travel to Iraq for pilgrimage each year, particularly during the months of Muharram and Safar, and we aim to provide all possible facilities,” Naqvi stated. He emphasized the need for the Iraqi government to grant permission for fee-free entry visas and requested that passports not be confiscated upon entry, ensuring easier returns for pilgrims.
The Interior Minister also urged the Iraqi authorities to double the quota of Pakistani visitors this year, a request that the ambassador agreed to consider.
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Both sides agreed to expedite the finalization of a visa waiver agreement for diplomatic and official passports and to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and the Iraqi Ministry of Labor. This MoU aims to streamline work permits for Pakistani citizens, promoting legal immigration and reducing illegal entry.
Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain highlighted that activating this MoU would facilitate easier access for Pakistanis seeking work in Iraq and enhance cooperation in addressing the issue of illegal Pakistani residents in Iraq.
Ambassador Lafta congratulated Minister Naqvi on his new role and extended an invitation for him to visit Iraq, further solidifying bilateral relations.
The meeting also included Federal Interior Secretary Khurram Ali Agha and representatives from the Iraqi Embassy, emphasizing a united effort to improve the pilgrimage experience for Pakistanis traveling to Iraq.
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