The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development plans to secure work permits for Pakistani citizens in Iraq. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) will be signed between the ministry and the Iraqi Ministry of Labour to achieve this.
This was discussed in a meeting between Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain and Iraqi Ambassador Hamid Abbas Lafta, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also present.
Minister Salik stated that the MoU would facilitate Pakistani citizens in obtaining work permits in Iraq, thereby increasing legal immigration and reducing illegal entry. Interior Minister Naqvi assured the Iraqi ambassador of his support in addressing the issue of unlawful Pakistani residents in Iraq.
The meeting also focused on improving facilities for Pakistani pilgrims, including issuing free entry visas and increasing the quota for pilgrims. Minister Naqvi pledged action against travel agents charging extra fees to pilgrims.
Naqvi requested the Iraqi government to double the quota for Pakistani pilgrims and waive the passport submission requirement, as it causes problems for pilgrims upon their return.
The Iraqi ambassador agreed to cooperate and provided a list of travel agents who had overcharged pilgrims, with Naqvi promising strict action against them within a week. Furthermore, the two sides agreed to finalize an agreement on visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders.
