Relations and Kurdish Diaspora Committee and Interior Minister Rebar Ahmed discuss visa problems

Kurdistan Parliament’s Relations and Kurdish Diaspora Committee, led by the chair Dr. Rebwar Babkayi, on 11 April met with the KRG Minister for the Interior Rebar Ahmed and his staff to discuss problems regarding visas for Kurdistan Region and foreign visas. 

Dr. Babkayi said that the committee is looking into several issues, including Kurdistan Region visas for Kurds from Rojava (the Kurdistani areas in Syria), the issue of some companies providing unlawful visas for high fees, the consequences of citizens buying foreign (second) passports through investment schemes, and the public’s complaints about Coronavirus tests at Kurdistan Region’s borders and airports.

Minister Rebar Ahmed clarified all of the issues raised and stressed the importance of cooperation between the legislature and the government in all areas. Regarding visas for Kurds from Rojava who wish to visit Kurdistan Region, the Minister said, “The Kurdistan Regional Government will facilitate this.”

On the problem of travel and tourism companies who offer Schengen visa application services for high fees, Minister Ahmed said, “We in the Interior Ministry and the security services have arrested many who sell fraudulent Kurdistan Region or foreign visas".

He added that many people have been found at Kurdistan Region’s airports with fake visas provided by smugglers, and that legal action has been taken in cooperation with other ministries.

The committee members stressed the need to prevent the public from being charged exorbitant visa and nationality fees by service companies or being cheated into applying for fake visas.

The ministry staff promised to investigate and resolve all the issues, and they hoped for more cooperation with the Parliament committee.

The committee and Minister Ahmed held a press conference after their meeting.