Iraq opens its doors to more than 30 countries

by **claud39** Fri Apr 09, 2021 10:24 am

[size=39]Iraq opens its doors to more than 30 countries[/size]

09 April 2021

Iraq opens its doors to more than 30 countries 000_93C8NM_0

The British magazine " The Economist " said that access to Iraq has become much easier after the authorities decided to grant visas to citizens of 36 countries upon their entry, in a move that would open the country to the world.

The magazine added in a report, on Friday, that the move, which included citizens of the United States, China and European Union countries, came after years of isolation and strict measures that foreigners need in order to enter the country.

The magazine quotes Iraqi officials as saying that this step will cut red tape, encourage investment and begin reconstruction.

"It is the single most effective decision to open Iraq to the world," says a German man who regularly visits Iraq.

An aide to the Iraqi prime minister, Mustafa Al-Kazemi, asserts that this step is an attempt to restore Iraq "as a zone of cooperation, not confrontation."

The newspaper indicates that Al-Kazemi hopes to reduce Iraq's dependence on Iran, as his advisers dream of attracting expatriates and even tourists, given that Iraq has become safer than it was before.

However, the newspaper confirms that the doors have not fully opened yet, as Iraqi consular staff say they have not yet received official notification of the changes and that foreigners still have to apply for visas.

On the 21st of last month, the Iraqi Ministry of Interior announced that the government’s decision to exempt citizens of 37 countries from entry visas to the country, began in mid-March.

Ministry spokesman Major General Khaled Al-Muhanna told the state-owned Al-Sabah newspaper that the Iraqi government's decision was "very bold" and aimed at boosting the economy.

The decision includes businessmen and companies from the permanent members of the Security Council, the European Union countries, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Switzerland.

The new decision allows citizens of these countries to enter Iraq through the air, land and sea ports in exchange for paying a fee of $ 75, and allows them to stay for a period of two months.

https://www.alhurra.com/iraq/2021/04/09/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82-%D9%8A%D9%81%D8%AA%D8%AD-%D8%A3%D8%A8%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%87-%D9%84%D8%A3%D9%83%D8%AB%D8%B1-30-%D8%AF%D9%88%D9%84%D8%A9