Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Discusses Facilitating Visa Issuance and Enhancing Consular Cooperation During his Hosting in Foreign Relations Committee

The Foreign Relations Committee at the Iraqi Parliament, chaired by Representative Dr. Dylan Ghafoor Saleh, hosted on 4 February 2025, the Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Multilateral and Legal Affairs Ambassador Shorsh Khaled Saeed, and the Head of the Consular Department at the Ministry Ambassador Falah Al Saadi, to discuss a number of issues related to the Ministry work.
The meeting discussed the difficulties faced by Iraqi citizens in obtaining entry visas to European Union countries due to complex procedures, and ways to address them through coordination between the legislative and executive authorities. As well as they emphasized the need to discuss this issue with European Union countries during the European Parliament conference, which is scheduled to be held in Brussels next April.
The meeting also affirmed the need to communicate with diplomatic missions in Baghdad, to ensure visas facilitation to patients and students studying outside Iraq, in addition to following up with the relevant authorities to ensure the delivery of completed passports to expatriates, and simplifying the procedures for granting National Cards to Iraqis living abroad, in coordination between the Foreign and Interior Ministries through Iraqi embassies and consulates.
On his part, the Undersecretary affirmed the importance of enhancing cooperation between the Foreign Ministry and the Council of Representatives, noting that the ministry is continuing its discussions with Arab and foreign countries to facilitate visa procedures and activate bilateral agreements, especially with the permanent member states of the UN Security Council and the European Union countries, within the framework of implementing the principle of reciprocity.
The Undersecretary also indicated the opening of Authentication Offices in 12 provinces in Iraq, with the aim of facilitating consular transactions for citizens and providing services more efficiently.
