1st Virtual Consular Conference Convenes on Enhancing Efficiency of Services Provided to Citizens

Under the auspices of the Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Multilateral and Legal Affairs Mr. Shorsh Khaled Saeed, and the head of the Consular Department Dr. Falah Abdul Hassan, the Consular Department held its first virtual consular conference from February 17 to 19, 2025, with the participation of heads of missions, consuls and consuls’ deputies at the Iraqi political and consular missions abroad.

The conference discussed ways to develop consular services provided to citizens, and update consular procedures in all missions in line with the government program aimed at facilitating formal procedures. The conference, which lasted for three days, also witnessed the discussion of missions’ proposals, in addition to providing guidance on consular issues that require standardization of mechanisms and adherence to them.

The conference was attended by the senior staff of the Consular Department, along with representatives of the communications and finance departments, and some relevant ministries.

In his speech, Undersecretary Saeed affirmed the importance of simplifying consular procedures and ensuring the provision of effective services that contribute to supporting Iraqi citizens wherever they are, stressing the need to achieve consular work integration as it is linked to political, humanitarian, economic and security aspects.

On his part, the head of the Consular Department Dr. Falah Abdul Hassan, underlined that upholding the dignity of Iraqi communities abroad and providing the best consular services are a top priority for the Ministry, pointing to the continuation of efforts to develop the services provided, as 12 authentication offices were opened in the Iraqi governorates, in addition to a number of new consulates around the world.

In the framework of cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, 26 centers were opened to issue the national card, in addition to specialized centers to issue Iraqi passports, which contributes to enhancing the efficiency of services provided to citizens inside and outside Iraq.