statement no. (7) for the year 201710- the place of residence of the foreign person must be...

اق -هەرێیم كوردستان رالعراق -إقـليـم كـوردسـتـان عێ

مـجلس الــوزراء ئەنجوومەنی وەزیران

وزارة الداخلية وەزارەنی ناوخۆ

المديرية العامة للديوان بەڕێوەبەرایەنی گشتی دیوان

ڕی سەرچاوە مرۆییەکان ر کارگێ

ییة بەڕێوەبەرایەن مديرية ادارة الموارد البشر

ڕیبەشر کارگ ر قسم اإلدارة ێ

8875No: 8875ژمارە:

4/3/2717Date: 25/05/2017رێکەوت:

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Kurdistan Regional – IRAQCouncil of Ministers Ministry of Interior

0662297272 0662297474 - 0662297373 - 0662297272: بگۆری وەزارەت )بدالة الوزارة(

Statement No. (7) For the year 2017

Special for granting of electronic visas and residence in the Kurdistan Region

Based on the powers vested to us in the Law of the Ministry of Interior No. 6 of the year 2009, we have decided to issue the following statement :

Article 1 :

Definitions

The definitions in question shall mean the meanings assigned to each of them for the purpose of applying this statement :

1- Territory: The Kurdistan Region of Iraq .

2- Ministry: Ministry of Interior affairs of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq .

3- Minister: Minister of Interior of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq .

4- The visa authority: The Minister of Interior of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq inaccordance with article (1) paragraph (7) of foreigners' residence Iraqi Law No. (118) ofthe year 1978 amended for.

5- Electronic Visa: The document allowing the entry of foreigners to the Kurdistan Regionis granted through the electronic system established for this purpose .

6- Foreigner: A person who does not bear Iraqi nationality .

7- Transferring the file: Sending the file of the foreign person who has the residence cardfrom the Directorate of residence to another directorate within the region .

8- Directorate of Residence: Directorates of residence in the governorates of the region.

9- Change of guarantor: Change of foreign guarantor of person who has the residencecard to another guarantor.

10- Family reunion: Reuniting of members of the foreign family that includes only (mother,father, son, daughter and spouse of the foreign person).

11- Block list: It is the list according to which the name of the foreign person is placed undera decision of the Minister for committing a legal offense or for any other reason.

12- Blacklist: This list is the name of the natural or moral person by a decision of theMinister because of a violation of the law or for any other reason.

of 27 )0662297272 0662297474 - 0662297373 - 0662297272: بگۆری وەزارەت )بدالة الوزارة

13- Exit visa: This visa is granted to the foreign person and stamped on his passport by theDirectorate of Residence at the end of his residence in the region and his desire to goback to his country.

14- Employee: Every natural person performing a specific work for a wage under thesupervision of the employer.

15- Employer: Any natural or legal person employing one or more workers for the purposeof performing a particular work for a wage.

16- Legal entity: A group of persons or funds legally recognized aiming at achieving acertain objective.

17- Natural person: Every human being able to take legal responsibility according to law.

18- Arrival Card: A sixty (60) days card issued to the foreigner who has a residence visa forone year from the residence directorates.

19- Residence card: The card that is granted to the foreign person for a period not less than (6)months and not more than (3) years giving him the right to reside in the Kurdistan Region.

20- Deportation: deporting of a foreigner who has entered the Kurdistan Region by legalmeans outside Iraq.

21- Boarder Port: The official international border ports whether air or land ports.

22- Expulsion: The expulsion of a foreigner, who has entered the Kurdistan Region illegally,outside the international border through a border outlet by a decision of the Director ofResidence.

Article 2:

Visa Duration

1- An electronic visa for a period of (30, 60, 90, 120) days shall be granted for the purposesof visit, tourism or residence visa for (180, 365) that is the Minister's power to grant andmay not be authorized to others.

2- Electronic visa applications for foreign persons of all kinds should be submitted throughthe e-Visa website (evisa.moi.gov.krd) only.

3- Any changes in the regulations for the granting of an electronic visa shall be announcedthrough the electronic page referred to in paragraph (2) above and shall be valid after 7days from the date of publication on the page.

4- The duration of the electronic visa granted for the purpose of visit, tourism, study,family Reunion, or ordinary visa granted at the border crossing points may be extendedfor a period of (30) days only once against fee specified in Article (18) The foreigner orhis legal representative, provided that the reason for the extension is reasonable andthat extension decision shall be the residence director's power.


Article 3:

Error in visa data

1- The visa information may not be changed or modified after its issuance. The visa iscanceled in the case of any error in the information. The foreign person must apply for anew visa and new registration after all legal procedures have been carried out.

2- If the error in the visa information is due to the Ministry, a new visa will be issued to theforeign person free of charge.

Article 4:

Visa types

First: Visit Visa

The visit visa is granted on the following conditions:

1- Enter the visa application information through the electronic visa website.

2- The visit visa is valid for 30 days.

3- Paying visa fees via the website.

4- Travel document holders shall submit the visa application through the Regionrepresentations abroad.

5- The travel document holder shall not be granted residence in the Kurdistan Region.

6- Passport validity must not be less than six months when applying for a visa.

7- The document used for travel shall be treated as the original nationality. This meansthat if the nationality of the original foreigner requires a visa he will not be allowed toenter the territory of the Kurdistan Region without a visa.

8- If the place of birth of the foreign person is Iraq and stated in the travel document, theforeign person is allowed to enter the territory free of charge. If the residence periodexceeds 30 days, no delay penalty will be imposed on him.

9- The purpose of the visit should be specified in the visa application.

10- The place of residence of the foreign person must be determined and all informationof the guarantor must be accurately entered.

11- All forms must be filled via computer.

12- In the event of non-return of the foreign person and failure to carry out the residenceprocedures application, the guarantor pays the amount specified in the commitmentto the Treasury of the Region in return for failure to fulfill his undertaking, in additionto all legal procedures taken against the guarantor and the applicant.


Second: Tourist visa

The tourist visa is granted on the following conditions:

1- Enter the data of the foreign person through the website.

2- The tourist visa is granted for a period of (30) days, and the residence is not granted tothe holder of this visa.


4- The passport must not be less than six months when applying for a visa.

5- If the foreigner is born in Iraq and is mentioned in his/her passport, he/she does notneed a visa and is allowed to enter without charge.

6- Filling in the form (33) special for foreign person's information on the website.


8- The guarantor shall pay the amount specified in the undertaking to the Regiontreasury in the event that the foreign person does not return or not to proceed withthe residency procedures in addition to taking all legal measures against the guarantorand the visa applicant.

Third: Study visa

The study visa is granted under the following conditions:

1- Enter the visa application information via the website.

2- The study visa shall be granted for a period of 30 days. The applicant shall complete allthe documents for the granting of residence to the foreign student in a period notexceeding (30) days.


4- Passport must not be less than six months when applying for a visa.

5- If the foreigner is born in Iraq and the indication in his/her passport does not requirethe visa he/she will be allowed to enter without imposing any charge.

6- The place of residence and all the information must be clearly specified in theapplication form.

7- The source of funding for the study expenses should be specified in official documents.

8- Attaching the admission endorsement granted to the foreign person for the purposeof study from a scientific institution authorized by the Ministry of Higher Educationand Scientific Research or the Ministry of Education including the period of study notless than one year.


10- After completing all the procedures and implementing all the instructions, theresidence is granted to the foreign person and renewed annually until the foreignperson completes the study.

11- Filling out Form No. (33) For the information of the foreign person located on the website.


12- The guarantor shall pay the specified amount in the commitment to the Regiontreasury in the event that the foreign person does not come back in return for notfulfilling his/her undertaking in addition to all other legal measures taken against theguarantor and the applicant.

Fourth: A visa for reunion

A visa (family reunion) is granted under the following conditions:

1- Entering the visa application information via the website.

2- A visa for reunion shall be granted for a period of (30) days. The visa applicant mustcomplete all documents required for granting residence to the family of the foreignperson within the specified period.


4- Passport must not be less than six months when applying for a visa

5- A family reunion visa is granted as a humanitarian condition aimed at reuniting the familyof the foreign person. If a family member wishes to work in the Kurdistan Region, he/shemust obtain the approval of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs in accordance withthe instructions of the foreign employee and the Directorate of Residence.

6- Filling in the form (17) for family members' information via the website.

7- Fees of the change of visa to a permanent residence are not paid, only the fees of theissuance of the residence card and other fees relating to the issuance of the residencecard shall be met.

8- The reunion visa includes only husband, son, daughter and mother of the foreign person.

9- If the applicant for family reunion mentioned in paragraph (8) above is Iraqi, theresidence shall be granted to all members of the family without imposing any chargeand shall be exempted from all the fees related to the issuance of the residence cardprovided that he /she is a resident of the Region and holds residence card (informationcard) issued by the governorate where he/she requests family reunion.


11- Attaching the following documents when filling the visa application:

A. Marriage certificate or other document confirms to the family relationshipspecified in paragraph (8) of Article 4 the fourth paragraph of this statementtranslated into Kurdish language by a legal translator in the courts of the Region.

B. A copy of passport of the husband and family members for each application individually.

C. A document of ownership of a residential unit or a lease contract for a residentialunit in the name of the family reunion requester in the governorate where reunionof the family is requested.

D. The residence card must be issued by the Directorate of Residence in thegovernorate in which he/she owns the housing unit.

E. Salary confirmation issued by the employer.


F. A confirmation of social security for a reunion applicant issued by the SocialSecurity Directorate.

G. A Copy of the registration of the Iraqi spouse requesting reunion for his foreignwife in order to ascertain his marital status, if he is married, the visa will not begranted to his foreign wife.

12- The guarantor shall pay the amount specified in the commitment to the Regiontreasury in the event that the foreign person does not come back; this fee is for notfulfilling his undertaking in addition to all other legal measures taken against theguarantor and the applicant.

13- If a member of the family of a reunion applicant has entered the Kurdistan Region viathe visa of the Republic of Iraq and requested for family reunion, he/she will begranted residence after the implementation of all the conditions of reunion andinstructions related to granting residence card.

14- The granting of residence under the visa for reunion shall be the authorities of thedirectors of residence in the governorates after all the conditions have been fulfilledand all the documents specified in this paragraph shall be submitted.

Fifth: The border crossing visa

The border crossing visa is granted under the following conditions:

1- Citizens of the following countries can obtain the border crossing visa: USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Canada, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Turkey, Iran, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Germany, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Iceland, and Italy)

2- The visa is granted for period of (30) days only.

3- Passport must not be less than six months when applying for a visa.

4- If the foreigner is born in Iraq and that is indicated in his/her passport, there will not be need to obtain the visa and will be allowed to enter without imposing any charge.

Sixth: Visa of United Nations organizations

1- Visa for staff of The United Nations Organizations shall be granted on the followingconditions:

A. Enter visa application information via the website.

B. Filling in the form (18) for the information of the foreign person required by theUnited Nations Organizations located on the website.

C. The visa is granted to UN organizations free of charge.

2- The UN passport holder does not need a visa and is allowed to enter without any charge.


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4- In the event that one of the United Nations Organizations applies for one of its officials who entered the Region via electronic visa or a visa issued by the republic of Iraq for the purpose of employment, he/she will be granted residence without any charges imposed as well as fees of visa changing providing that meeting granting residence conditions.

Seventh: Visa for international organizations NGO

The staff of international organizations shall be granted the visa on the following conditions:

1- Enter the visa application information via the website.

2- The passport must not be less than six months when applying for the visa.

3- The duration of the visa is between (30) and (365) days.

4- Attaching the license of the organization registration in the Region.


6- Filling in Form No. (19) Concerning the foreign person's information on the website.


8- If the organization requests the residence for an employee who has entered with the Region visa only to work in that organization, he/she is granted residence after payment of the visa change fees and the implementation of all the conditions of residence and payment of fines and residence card fees.

9- In an exception to paragraph (8) above, if the international organization registered in one of the countries referred to below and headquartered in the United States of America, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland and Italy) it will be granted residence without paying visa change fees or fees of residence card provided that the implementation of all the necessary conditions for the residence and payment of all financial fines.

10- The foreign person granted the visa must return before the expiration of the visa period or the completion of the procedures for granting residence according to the instructions. Otherwise, the organization will bear all the legal consequences.

Eighth: Local NGO Visa

The visa of employees of local organizations shall be granted under the following conditions:

1- Entry of visa application data via the website.

2- Passport must not be less than six months when applying for the visa.

3- The duration of the visa is (30) days.

4- Attaching the registration license of the organization.


6- Fill in the form (19) of the foreign person's information on the website.

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8- If the organization requests residence for an employee who entered the Region for the purpose of working in that organization, the residence will be granted after payment of the visa change fees and the implementation of all the conditions of residence and payment of fines and residence card fees.

9- In the event of non-return of the foreign person, the guarantor pays the amount of the commitment to the treasury of the Region in return for not fulfilling his /her undertaking in addition to the legal procedures taken against the guarantor and the organization that requested the visa.

Article 5:

Work visa

First: The work visa shall be granted under the following conditions:

1- The foreign person must obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs in accordance with the instructions.

2- The visa must be requested through electronic system linking the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs with the Ministry of the Interior.

3- All visa and residence requirements must be met.

Second: The work visa is granted to employees in the oil sector under the following conditions:

1- Submission of the company application form through the electronic system linking the Ministry of Natural Resources with the Ministry of Interior.

2- The requested foreign person must have a technical certificate or be an oil expert.

3- The applicant must implement all visa and residence requirements.

Article 6:

Changing Visiting visa to residence

First: The visit visa may be changed to residence under the following conditions:

1- Application to the Directorates of Residence by authorized lawyer who holds power of attorney by the foreign person or the representative of companies that follow up the affairs of the residence of foreigners or the representative of the company or the representative of organizations of all kinds.

2- Attaching a colored copy of the passport.

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3- A- Submission of employment contract concluded between the employer and the foreign employee. The contract does not need to be certified.

B- If the foreigner is the owner of the company or shareholder, he/she does not need to submit a contract of employment and he/she must prove ownership or the amount of his/her shares in the company.

4- Guarantee to the foreign person by an Iraqi citizen resident in the Kurdistan Region and holds an information card issued in one of the governorates of the Region.

5- Filling out the Personal Commitment No. (36) or the Company's Form No. 39, in which the new employer undertakes to obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the foreign worker and register it in the Directorate of Social Security.

6- If the employer referred to in paragraph (5) above does not comply, the residence of the foreigner will not be renewed, and he/she must leave Iraq and the employer shall be fined according to the fine specified in Article (18).

7- A- Payment of fees of the change of the visit visa to the residence according to Article (18) for the foreign person who entered the Region via electronic visa.

B- Payment of fees of the change of the visit visa to the residence under Article (18) for foreign persons who hold the citizenship of the countries referred to in Article (4) paragraph (fifth / 1).

8- Residence shall be granted for a period of six months or one year. The residence granting for more than one year is the powers of the Minister

Second: This article does not apply to the employees of The United Nations Organizations, International Organizations NGO and diplomats.

Article 7:

Applicants who request an electronic visa

and the conditions of following-up residence affairs

First: A) The entities referred to below may apply for an electronic visa for foreigners:

1- Lawyers in the Kurdistan bar Association

2- Companies that follow up the foreign residence affairs.

3- Companies to meet their needs.

4- Tourism companies to obtain only a tourist visa.

5- Department of Foreign Relations.

6- Representations of the Region government abroad.

7- Consulates operating in the Region for their guests only.

8- Government departments for their official guests.

9- United Nations Organizations for their guests and employees.

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10- Local NGOs for their work.

11- International NGOs for their organizational work.

B) Companies operating in the oil sector and foreign recruitment companies will not be granted electronic visa and all applications for an electronic visa and residence through the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.

Second: In the case of the need of the parties referred to in paragraph (first / 3, 2) of this article to appoint a representative for the purpose of following-up affairs of residence for foreigners who have been requested by them,they must submit an application to the Ministry of Interior / Directorate General of Office / Directorate of security companies and granting leave for the purpose Granting the approval.

Third: The representative shall:

1- Not be less than 18 years old.

2- Be an Iraqi citizen.

3- Be resident of the Kurdistan Region and holder of the information card of that governorate in which he requested to register as a representative.

4- Have a certificate of primary education or higher.

5- Shall not be an employee of the Internal Security Forces, Peshmergah or Al-Asayish, and shall not be a permanent or temporary staff member (contract) at Kurdistan Region departments and must pledge this before the legal department in the Directorate of Residence.

6- Not be sentenced to a felony or misdemeanor and provided by support from the criminal evidence.

7- Have good behavior and ethics provided with the support of Anti-Crime Directorate and have not any security remarks supported by the Directorate of Asayish.

8- Represents the Company registered in the Region and not in debt to tax supported by the competent authority.

9- Have an authorization that enables him/her to represent the company from the authorized director and certified by the legal department of the residence directorate or notary.

10- Fill out the form for the representative prepared by the ministry.

11- Pay the annual fee of the representative specified in Article (18) of this statement.

12- The company may not request appointment of more than two representatives in each governorate.

13- A special card for the representative of the company shall be organized by the Ministry against the fees specified in Decision No. (77) issued by the Council of Ministers on 3/2/2016 and published by the number (196) of the factsheet of Kurdistan on 1/3/2016 and no representative shall be allowed to work before Get a business card.

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Fourth:

A. Paragraphs 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 of the paragraph (first /1) of paragraphs (second, third) of this Article shall be excluded.

B. Lawyers who are members of the Kurdistan Bar Association and those working under the Bar Act in the Region No. (17) for the year 1999 will only show power of attorney given to them by of their clients and the identity of a law firm for the purpose of following up the electronic visa and residency.

C. Paragraphs 7, 9, 10 and 11 in the paragraph (first) of this Article shall regulate a free card exempt from the conditions for granting of the card of the representative for the purpose of following up the residence of their employees.

Fifth: In case of violation of any of the provisions of paragraph (1) of this article of the law or visa or residence instructions, they will be placed on the black list according to the procedures specified in Article (12) of this statement, except lawyers who will be referred to the Kurdistan Bar Association Council in case Committing the violation for the purpose of investigation and (code) of the electronic visa will be stopped as well as they will be prevented from their work in the directorates of residence until the result is issued.

Article 8:

Obtaining the electronic visa code

First: Lawyers:

1- The lawyer must fill Form No. (29)

2- They shall fill out Form No. (12) for one time until the end of the fiscal year.

Second: Companies that follow up the affairs of the residence of foreigners

1- The authorized manager or the company's lawyer must complete the form (30).

2- Fill out the Form No. (4) for one time until the end of the fiscal year.

Third: companies

1- Companies can generally request the electronic visa code to be used for the purpose of applying for a visa only for foreign persons who are required to fill their needs, provided that they do not take the profession of their company because this exposes them to legal liability.

2- The company must fill Form No. (13).

3- Fill out the form (28) pages (A, B) and deliver them to the competent residence directorate where the headquarters of the company is located for the purpose of conducting detection by the competent committee.

4- Fill out Form No. (2) for one time until the end of the fiscal year.

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Fourth: Government departments

1- The electronic visa (code) of ministries, entities not linked to any ministry, universities and governorates for the purpose of applying for a visa for a foreign person shall be granted to the guests of those bodies only for official affairs, but lower departments have to apply visa through the above mentioned references.

2- The entities referred to in paragraph (1) must fill in Form No. (24).

Fifth: Tourism companies

1- Tourism companies must apply for an electronic visa only for tourism purposes and according to the tourist visa instructions.

2- Fill in Form No. (8) for one time until the end of the fiscal year.

3- The company must fill Form No. (14).

4- The company must fill the form (28) page (A, B) and deliver it to the Directorate of Residence in the governorate within which the headquarters of the company is located for the purpose of conducting the detection by the competent committee.

Sixth: Department of Foreign Relations

1- Fill in the form (24) if the electronic visa code is for the Department of Foreign Relations or the representations of the Region abroad.

2- Fill in the form (31) if the visa code for foreign consulates in the Kurdistan Region.

Seventh: Local organizations.

1- Filling in Form No. 26 of the organization's information.

2- Fill out Form No. 10 for one time until the end of the financial year.\

3- The company must fill in Form No. (34) Page (A, B), and deliver it to the Directorate of Residence in the governorate within which the headquarters of the company is located for the purpose of conducting the detection by the competent committee.

Eighth: International Organizations

1- Fill in Form No. 23 special for the Organization's information.

2- Organizations that are not covered by Article 4 shall fill out paragraph (7) of Form No. (34) Pages (A, B) and submit them to the Directorate of Residence at the border where their headquarters is located for the purpose of conducting the examination by the competent committee.

Ninth: The United Nations Organizations

Fill in Form No.25 special for the organization's information.

Tenth: After completing all the forms and completing the procedures and handing over the code applicant his / her application to the Ministry of the Interior or to the Directorate of Residence

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according to the type of code, the legal representative of the requesting party must attend the Ministry of Interior for the purpose of filling the undertaking to receive the code.

Article 9:

Visa Application Procedures

First: Lawyers: -

1- Enter the visa application information via the website

2- A. The period of validity of the passport shall not be less than six months.

B. The travel document holder shall request the visa through the Region representations abroad.

3- If the visa application is submitted by the lawyer or any natural person, the following documents must be attached:

A. Fill out Form No. (15) for the applicant's information on the website.

B. Fill out and sign the form (16) special for the foreign person by him/her personally, which is available on the website.

C- A colored copy of the certificate of Iraqi nationality and the identity of the civil status or the national card of the applicant.

D-The residence card (information card) of the requesting party, provided that it is issued by the governorate in which the visa is requested for the foreign person.

E- If the visa applicant is a lawyer, he has to submit his lawyer Identity card and fill the form no. (15).

4- If the applicant is a private educational institution, a factory or any private sector institution other than companies, it shall attach the following documents:

A- Establishment license.

B- The tax clearance for the new fiscal year.

C- Form No. (16) Special for the foreign person.

D- If it is a commercial shop or a factory, a confirmation letter issued by the chamber of commerce or industry for the requesting party.

5- If the applicant is a company, the form (28) must be attached and certified by the competent committee.

6- The duration of the visa (30) days.

7- Fill in the form No. (11) on the website.

8- If the requesting party is an organization, it must fill in Form No. (16) with attached Form No. (34) and certified by the competent committee according to the organizations covered by this form.

9- If the visa applicant is a lawyer and the foreigner person wishes after entering the country to work, family reunion or study, the applicant may complete the residence

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procedures of the foreign person on the personal lawyer's behalf or the guarantee of a company or any other entity before the end of the visa period in the same department in the governorate in which the lawyer registered his/her address provided that he/she has power of attorney by the foreign person for this purpose. After the expiration of the visa period, the residence of the foreigner is not granted according to this paragraph. He /she must leave Iraq after payment of the delay fines.

10- In the case of non-return of the foreign person or failure to complete the procedures to obtain the residence, the guarantor shall pay the amount to the treasury of the Region as a fee for not fulfilling his/her commitment in addition to all other legal procedures taken against the guarantor and the applicant.

11- The electronic Visa system will stop automatically to respond if the persons who have been granted the visa and who have actually entered the Region (40) people, the lawyer in this case and during (30) days must Explains the fate of those people in an official letter to the Directorate of Visa in the Office of the Ministry with attaching of all the necessary documents to prove it.


13- Visa fees must be paid through the website.

14- In the event of refusing the visa, the applicant may request it again after 24 hours from the date of refusal, after processing the reason for the refusal if it is not related to the entry ban.

Second: Companies that follow up the affairs and residence of foreigners

1- Enter the visa application information via the website

2- A. The period of validity of the passport shall not be less than six months.

B. The travel document applicant holders shall request the visa through the Region representations abroad.


4- Fill in Form No. (3) which is available on the website.

5- If the applicant is an Iraqi natural person residing in the Region, the following documents must be attached:

A. A colored copy of the certificate of Iraqi nationality and the identity of the civil status or national card.

B. The information card of the natural Iraqi person must be issued by the governorate in which the company is registered.

C. Fill in the form No. (15) Special for the information of the person requesting the visa located on the website.

D. Fill out and sign Form No. (16) of the personal information of the foreign person personally available on the website.

6- If the applicant is a company, the form No. (28) must be attached and certified by the competent committee.

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7- If the applicant is an organization, it must complete Form No. (16) together with Form No. (34) approved by the Committee for the organizations covered by this form.

8- If the requesting party is a private educational institution, a factory or any other private sector institution except companies, the following documents must be attached:

A. Establishment license.

B. The tax clearance for the new fiscal year.

C. Fill out the form No. (16) special for the foreign person's information signed personally by him/her available on the website.

D. A Support letter issued by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry if the requesting party is a commercial or a factory.

9- Paying visa fees via website.

10- The visa applicant party may be one of the follow-up companies for the residence of foreigners.

11- If the foreign person wishes after entering the country to reside for the purpose of work, family reunion or study, and if the visa applicant party is one of the foreign residence monitoring company, the foreign person shall be granted the residence on the guarantee of the company or any other party or any natural person before the end of the visa period in the same The Directorate of Residence in the governorate where the company, that follows up the affairs of the residence of foreigners,is registered provided that the company has a power of attorney of the foreign person, but After the expiry of the visa period, the residence of the foreign person shall not be granted in accordance with this Article then he/she must leave Iraq after paying all the delay fines.

12- Visa fees must be paid via website.

13- In the case of non-return of the foreign person or failure to complete the procedures for obtaining the residence card, the guarantor shall pays the amount of the pledge to the Region treasury in return for not fulfilling the pledge in addition to all other legal procedures taken against the guarantor and the applicant.

14- The electronic visa system will automatically stop responding if the persons who have been granted visas are physically admitted to the Region. In this case, within 30 days, the fate of these persons will be determined by an official letter to the Directorate of Visa in the Ministry's Office with attaching all necessary documents to prove it.

15- All information must be entered by computer

16- If the visa is refused, the visa applicant may apply again during 24 hours after the date of refusal, after the reasons for the refusal have been addressed, in case the reason concerns the entry ban.

Third: Companies

1- Enter the visa application information through website.

2- The period of validity of the passport should not be less than six months.

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3- Travel visa application is requested by the Region representations abroad.


5- The visa is granted for the purposes of the visit only and the purpose of the visit should be stated.

6- Fill out the form No. (1) on website.


1. Fill in the form No. (33) Special for the foreign person's information on website.

8- Attaching Form No. (28) For the company's information certified by the competent committee.


10- In the event of non-return of the foreign person or failure to complete the procedures for obtaining the residence card, the guarantor shall pay the amount of the pledge to the Region treasury in return for not fulfilling his undertaking in addition to all other legal measures taken against the guarantor or the applicant.

11- The electronic Visa system will stop automatically responding if the persons who have been granted the visa and have actually entered the Region stayed more than (20) persons and their fate have to be shown by an official letter to the Directorate of Visa in the Office of the Ministry with all necessary documents proving that.

12- If the visa is refused, the applicant may submit the application again after 24 hours from the date of the refusal, after the reasons for the refusal have been addressed if it is not related to the entry ban.

Fourth: Tourism companies

1- Enter the visa application information via website

2- A- The period of validity of the passport shall not be less than six months.

B- The travel document holders request visa by the Region representations abroad.

C- The duration of the visa is (30) days.

3- The visa is granted only for the purpose of tourism.

4- Fill in Form No. (7) on website.

5- The foreigner must return before the end of the visa period, otherwise the company shall bear all the legal and financial consequences.

6- Payment of visa fees via website.

7- Fill in and sign Form No. (33) Special for the foreign person's information on website

8- Attaching the form No. (28) Special for the company certified by the competent Committee.

9- The electronic Visa system will stop automatically responding if the persons who have been granted the visa and enter the Region are more than 40 persons. In this case, within 30 days, the company shall show the fate of those persons by an official letter

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to the Directorate of Visa in the Ministry's office attaching all necessary documentation to prove this.

10- The form must be filled via computer.

11- In the case of non-return of the foreign person, the guarantor shall pay the amount of the pledge to the Region treasury in return for not fulfilling his/her pledge in addition to all other legal measures taken against the guarantor or the applicant.

12- If the visa is refused, the applicant may apply again after 24 hours from the date of refusal, after processing the reasons for the refusal if it is not related to entry ban.

Fifth: Local organizations

1. Enter the visa application information via website

2. A- The period of validity of the passport shall not be less than six months.

B- The travel document holders shall request the visa through the Region representations abroad.

C- The duration of the visa is (30) days.

3. Attaching the establishment license of the organization with the visa application.

4. In the event of non-return of the foreign person or failure to complete the procedures for obtaining the residence card, the guarantor shall pay the amount of the pledge to the regional treasury in return for not fulfilling his undertaking in addition to all other legal measures taken against the guarantor or the applicant.

5. Payment of electronic visa fees via website.

6. Fill out and sign the form No. (19) Special for the foreign person's information on website

7. Fill in the form No. (9) on website.

8. 9. Attaching Form No. (34) Certified by the competent committee.

9. The electronic Visa system will stop automatically responding if the persons who have been granted the visa and enter the Region are more than 15 persons. In this case, within 30 days, the organization will determine the fate of these persons by an official letter to the Directorate of Visa in the Ministry's office attaching all necessary documentation to prove this.

10. The form must be filled via computer.

11. If the visa is refused, the applicant may apply again after 24 hours from the date of refusal, after processing the reasons for the refusal if it is not related to entry ban.

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Sixth: International Organizations

1- Entry of visa application data through website.

2- A- The period of validity of the passport shall not be less than six months.

B- The travel document holders shall request the visa through the Region representations abroad.

3- The visa period shall be from (30) days to (365) days.

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4- Attaching the establishment license of the organization in the region

5- The foreign person must return or he/she must complete the procedures for granting the residence card to him/her according to the instructions if the visa period is 30-120 days, otherwise the organization is subject to the legal responsibility.

6- Paying the visa fees via website.

7- Fill in the form No. (9) on website.

8- Fill out Form No. (19) Concerning the foreign person's information on website

9- Attaching Form No. (34) Certified by the competent committee for the organizations covered by this form.

10- The electronic visa code will stop automatically if the number of persons who have been granted the visa and have actually entered the region (15) persons and the organization within a period of (30) days has to determine the fate of those persons by an official letter addressed to the Directorate of visas in the Ministry of Interior attaching all documents that Prove that.

11- Forms must be filled via computer.

12- If the visa is refused, the visa applicant may request it again after 24 hours from the date of refusal, after processing the reasons for refusal if the refusal of the visa is not related to the entry ban.

Seventh: The United Nations Organizations

1- Entry of visa application data via website.

2- The validity period of the passport shall not be less than six months.

3- The duration of the visa is from (30) days to (365) days.

4- Fill out the form No.(18) special for the foreign person's information on website.

5- The foreigner must return before the expiry of the visa period or the completion of the stay procedures according to the instructions if the visa duration is 180 days or more, or if (30-120) days the foreigner is given a news arrival card.

6- The visa is granted to employees and guests of The United Nations Organizations free of charge.


8- If the visa is refused, the applicant may apply again after 24 hours from the date of refusal, after processing the reason for refusal if the refusal of the visa is not related to entry ban.

Eighth: Department of Foreign Relations

1- Entry of visa application data on website.



4- A- Fill in Form No. (20) Special for the information of the foreign person if the applicant party is foreign consulates in the Region, the form is available on website.

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B- Fill in Form No. (21) special for the information of the foreign person if the requesting party is the Department of External Relations, the form is on website.

C- fill in the form No. (22) for the information of the foreign person if the requesting party is the representations of the Region government abroad, the form is on website.



7- In case of refusal of the visa, the applicant is entitled to apply again 24 hours after the date of refusal, after the reason for the refusal is addressed if the refusal of the visa is not related to the entry ban.

Ninth: Governmental departments

1- Entry of visa application data via website.


3- Travel document holders request visa through the Region representations abroad.

4- Fill out the form Nos. (23, 27) on website.

5- The visa application for the foreign person shall only be for the official purposes of the requesting party and no government department may request the visa for other purposes. When such situation occurs, the department director will be fully responsible.

6- Paying the visa fees via website.


8- If the visa is refused, the applicant may apply again after 24 hours from the date of refusal, after processing the reason for refusal if the refusal of the visa is not related to entry ban.

Article 10:

Arrival card

1- The arrival card shall be issued by the residence directorates to the foreign person who holds a visa of not less than one year.

2- The arrival card shall be issued for two months for the purpose of granting the foreigner the opportunity to complete the procedures for obtaining the residence card.

3- The foreigner shall not be allowed to leave the country in the period of granting him/her the arrival card. Otherwise, the card will be withdrawn at the border outlet and the visa will be canceled.

4- Foreigners with a visa of 6 months or less should not be given the arrival card. Within 15 days, they must complete obtaining the residence card procedures during a period not exceeding one month. Otherwise, the visa will be canceled and he/she will be deported.

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5- The arrival card for foreign persons who have a border crossing visa shall not be regulated accordance to Article fourth, paragraph fifth/ 1 of this statement.

Article 11:

Transfer the file of the foreign person

First: The file of the foreign person may be transferred from residence Directorate to another by the approval of the Directorate of Residency that the file has been transferred from and to.* 1

Second: The transfer of the file includes only foreigners who have a residence card which is not less than six months and are associated with a contract of employment.

Third: The file of the foreign person shall be transferred under the following conditions:

1- Submit an application to the Directorate of Residence to transfer the file to it.

2- The residence card of the foreign person must be valid.

3- Approval of the previous employer to transfer the place of employment of the worker if the contract of employment is still in force.

4- Submit a new employment contract.

5- Payment of fees specified in Article (18).

6- The Directorate of Residence shall transfer the file to it by directing a letter to the Directorate in which the file of the foreign person is registered for the purpose of sending the file, and that Directorate shall keep a copy of the file in the archives of the Directorate.

Fourth: The file of the foreign person, who owns work, company or investment project, may be transferred provided that he/she has transferred his/her company or project to that governorate which he /she requested transferring his /her file to it, or that there is a branch of the company supported by the competent authority.

Fifth: The Directorate of Residency from which the file of the foreign person is transferred shall not be allowed to send his/her file until all the conditions stipulated in this Article have been fulfilled.

Sixth: The Directorate that transferred the file shall issue an administrative order to transfer the file and send a copy of it to the Directorate of labor in both governorates transferred from and to it for the purpose of conducting the necessary.

Seventh: The file of the foreign person may not be transferred more than once a year.

Eighth: In case the foreigner leaves Iraq after transferring his/her file from the Directorate of residence to another Directorate and the duration of his/her stay outside Iraq expires and then returns by a new visa and requests to obtain residence card does not need to transfer his/her file back to the governorate where he requested to obtain a residence card. He shall be

1 * This clause has been modified according to the statement No. (10) For the year 2017

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granted a new residence card with new procedures and the previous residence shall be deemed null and void.

Ninth: This article does not include the organizations of the United Nations, international organizations, NGOs, and oil sector companies.

Article 12:

The situation of a natural or legal person in the blacklist, ban or exclusion

First: A natural or legal person is placed on the black list if he violates the visa instructions, residency or instructions of foreign employees or his/her violation of any visa, residency or labor act or if his/her stay threatens the health or security of the Region.

Second: If the violator is a foreign natural person, he/she shall be excluded and placed on entry ban list.

Third: If the violator is a legal person it will be blacklisted and all visa applications and residency are suspended.

Fourth:

1- Placing the person in black list or list of banning or deporting him/her from the list is the minister's powers and is done through submission a request from the Directorate General of Nationality to the Ministry of Interior / Directorate General of the Office / Directorate of visas and must attach all documents that prove the violation with the attachment of the file of the foreign person.

2- If the exclusion is through the competent court, the decision of the court must be sent to the Ministry of Interior for the purpose of issuing a ministerial order concerning the exclusion.

3- If the foreigner poses a threat to the health or security of the Region, he/she shall be expelled directly by the Directorate of Residence and then a letter shall be sent to the Ministry for the purpose of its inclusion in the ban list.

Fifth: Investigation is done for cases related to violations of laws and regulations by subcommittees competent in combat human trafficking in the governorates.

Sixth: The person is blacklisted for a period of not less than one year and then removed from the list by ministerial order provided that the reason for that is treated.

Seventh: All visa and residency procedures of the natural or legal person shall be suspended until they are removed from the blacklist. All transactions under the procedure shall be suspended and the foreign person may complete the visa and residency transactions with another natural or legal guarantor.

Article 13:

Guarantee for Foreign Person

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First: The foreign person shall be guaranteed by an Iraqi citizen in order to obtain a visa or residency under the following conditions:

1- He must be Iraqi and have an information card issued by that governorate in which the foreigner is guaranteed.

2- The guarantor may not be one of the members of the Internal Security Forces or the Peshmargah or (Asayish) security.

2. The guarantee may not be paid in return for anything or any other concession.

3- Filling and ratifying Form No. (35).

Second: The guarantee may be changed for the foreign person or guarantor under the following conditions

1- Submit an application to the competent Directorate of Residence

2- The residence card must be valid for at least six months.

3- The foreigner, the former guarantor and the new guarantor must be present at the Directorate of Residence.

4- The implementation of all paragraphs stipulated in paragraph first of this article.

Third: In the event of a changing the guarantee, the new guarantor will bear all responsibilities.

Fourth: In the event of a request for change of guarantee and the foreign person cannot find a new guarantor, the remaining period of his stay shall be canceled and shall be deported.

Fifth: The companies that have received Form No. (28) and duly authenticated or those companies excluded from Form No. (28), the authorized director, whether foreign or Iraqi, fill out and sign Form No. (37).

Article 14:

Conditions and procedures for granting residence to a foreign person

First: Residence is granted to the foreign person according to the conditions below.

1- Submission of an application by the representative of the requesting party mentioned in Article 17 (paragraph first).

2- Providing a foreigner's employment contract and supporting letter from social security if the foreigner is a worker.

3- Submission of employment contract of local NGOs if the application for residence for employment in that organization.

4- Conduct the necessary medical examinations and pass those tests.

5- Submission of security non-objection by the competent authority.

6- Residency confirmation of the guarantor if he is a natural person.

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7- The visa applicant must complete the residence procedure, except for the lawyers and the follow-up companies, if they are the requesting party and may complete the residency procedures by another party guarantee.

8- Fill in the form of personal guarantee No. (35) or the company's guarantee form No. (37) or the form of the local organization guarantee No. (38) Certified duly.

9- Fill out the personal form No. (36) or the company's commitment form (39) in the case of changing the visit visa to residence.

10- Attaching all documents required for the purpose of reunion for those covered by Article 4 paragraph fourth if the application for residence for the purpose of reunion.

11- Provision of all the documents stipulated in Article 4, paragraph third if the residence is for the purpose of study.

12- Provision of all the documents stipulated in Article 4, paragraph seventh / eighth if the residence is for the purpose of organizational work.

13- Pay all fees and fines stipulated in this statement.

14- Attaching the following documents:

A. A colored copy of the foreigner's passport.

B. A copy of the electronic visa if the foreign person did not enter the border crossing visa

C. Six colored photos (3 x 4 cm), a colored copy of the guarantor's documents (certificate of nationality, civil ID, national ID, identity of the representative, lawyer's identity and company's supporting papers)

Second:

1- A modern system shall be established in all the directorates of residence for the purpose of applying for residency for the foreign person and the foreigner shall be linked with the Ministry of Interior through website (online).

2- All the parties stipulated in Article (7 / Paragraph first/ A) and the oil companies must obtain the code for the residency system at the Ministry of Interior, online according to the procedures to be announced on the website which will be established no later than 31/12/2017.

3- The residence of a foreign person may not be granted on the guarantor of foreign recruitment companies and the ONLINE code may not be granted to such companies.

4- Foreign follow-up companies may not apply for the residence for a foreign person by guarantee of such companies.

5- The work system of the directorates shall be unified in all directorates.

6- All the entities covered by Form No. (28) and (34) must complete the procedures for their ratification by 31/12/2017 and all their transactions shall be promoted up to the above mentioned date.

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Article 15:

Cancellation of visa and residence card

First: The visit or residence visa shall be canceled on the following conditions:

1- it is requested from the foreigner, his legal representative or the visa applicant.

2- The foreign person should not have used the visa.

Second: The residence of the foreign person shall be canceled in the following cases:

1- Formal application by the foreign person.

2- Committing an offense that place him on the blacklist according to Article 12 of this statement

3- In the case of lack of one of the conditions of granting residence.

4- If the foreign person is a threat to the health or security of the Region.

Article: 16

Termination of employment contract

First: Foreign persons who have completed their employment contracts with the employer may renew their residence permit provided they conclude a new employment contract and submit this contract to the directorates of residence

Second:

1- Fill out Form No. (36) or (39) in which the new employer undertakes to obtain a work permit for the foreign person from the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and guarantee it in the Directorate of Social Security.

2- If the employer referred to in paragraph (1) above fails to fulfill his undertaking, the residence of the foreigner may not be renewed after the expiry of his term and he shall pay the fine specified in Article 18.

Third: The employer must attend at the competent residence a month before the expiry of the contract between him and the foreign worker for the purpose of registering any rights he has with the foreigner worker

Otherwise he may not be an obstacle to the renewal of residence for the foreigner.

Fourth: In the case of registration of any complaint from the employer referred to in the third paragraph above in the Directorate of Residence, the competent directorate refers the complaint to the Directorate of Labor for the purpose of solving the problem by the competent labor court.

Fifth: Renewal of the residence of the foreign person stipulated in paragraph first of this article does not require the clearance from the former employer.

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Sixth: if the residence of the forigen person ended and his guarantor is blacklisted, he can extended his residency card with a guaranty of another natural person after applying all rules.

Article 17:

Follow-up Committees

First: One or more committees shall be formed in all directorates of residence for the purpose of following up the residence of foreigners within the jurisdiction of the directorates.

Second: This Committee shall devote itself fully to the purposes stipulated in paragraph first above.

Third: In the event of exploration of any violation related to the visa or residence, this violation is set in accordance with a duly minutes.

Fourth: The Follow-up Committee shall submit a daily report to the Director of Residence within the limits of its work and shall record irregularities and proposals.

Fifth: These committees are linked to the follow-up department in the directorates of residence.

Sixth: The directorates of residence must submit monthly reports on the activities of the follow-up committees to the Ministry of Interior through the Directorate General of Nationality in the Region.

Seventh: Follow-up committees should coordinate fully with the sub-committees concerned with combating human trafficking in the governorates.

Article 18:

Fees and fines

The following amounts shall be collected by the directorates of residence and added to the account of these directorates except for 17 / paragraph first where they are met by the Directorate of Security Companies and the granting of permits in the Ministry and added to the account of this Directorate.*2

First: fees

1. (1,000,000) Million Dinars is fees for changing the visit visa to residence for foreign persons who have obtained the electronic visa.

2. (500,000) Five Hundred Thousand Dinars is fees for changing the visit visa to the residence for the foreign persons mentioned in Article 4 paragraph fifth / 1) and who obtain the border crossing visa and the same fee is collected from Syrian passport holder.

2 * This clause has been modified according to the statement No. (10) For the year 2017

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3. (100,000) one hundred thousand dinars fees for extension of visit or tourism visa or border crossing visa or study or reunion for a period of (30) days only one time.

4. (25,000) twenty five thousand dinars administrative fees against any application for residency or renewal.

5. (35,000) thirty five thousand dinars fees for obtaining an exit visa.

6. (50,000) fifty thousand dinars fees for transferring of file.

7. (10,000) ten thousand dinars administrative fees against any written request submitted to the directorates of residence.

8. (35,000) Thirty-five thousand dinars fees for issuance of a news arrival card.

9. (80,000) Eighty Thousand Dinars for Issuance of the residence card and renewal of all kinds for a period of six months.

10. (150,000) one hundred and fifty thousand dinars fees for issuance of residence card renewal and all kinds for one year.

11. (300,000) Three hundred thousand dinars fees for issuance of residence card of all kinds and renewal for two years.

12. (450,000) Four hundred and fifty thousand dinars fees for issuance of residence card and renewal of all kinds for three years.

13. (50,000) fifty thousand dinars fees issued residence card instead of the damaged one or lost one.

14. (15,000) Fifteen thousand Dinars fees for Issuance of arrival card instead of lost or damaged one.

15. (50,000) fifty thousand dinars fees for the issuance of passport.

16. (20,000) Twenty thousand Dinars fees for granting a return visa.

17. (300,000) Three hundred thousand dinars annually as administrative fees against the issuance of the representative card.

Second: Fines:

1. (20,000) Twenty Thousand Dinars A delay fine for not reviewing or not renewing the residence card for each day delay including official holidays.

2. (500,000) five hundred thousand dinars fine for not implementation of undertaking stipulated in the form (36, 39).

3. (100,000) one hundred thousand dinars for any other violation.

Third: No foreign person shall be exempted from the fees or fines of the visa or residence.

Fourth: except from paragraphs first and second of this article, the staff of the United Nations organizations and international organizations mentioned in Article 4, paragraph seventh / ninth, as well as consular officers shall be exempt from all fees other than financial fines.

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Article 19:

Entry seals:

1. The passport of a foreign person who has entered by a visit visa to the Kurdistan Region shall be stamped with a 30-day visit.

2. The passport of a foreign person who entered the Territory on a tourist visa shall be stamped with a tourist stamp of 30 days.

3. The passport of the foreign person who obtained the residence visa shall be stamped with a stamp of 15 days for the purpose of reviewing the residence directorates.

Article 20:

First: it shall not carry out any instructions, statements, orders or letters concerning visas or residence after the entry into force of this statement, except for the letter No. (21 / H of 17/1/2017) that will be in force permanently.

Second: This statement shall be published on the website of the electronic visa.

Third: This statement shall enter in force from the date of its publication in the Kurdistan Fact Sheet.

Karim Sinjari

Minister of Interior affairs

statement no. (7) for the year 201710- the place of residence of the foreign person must be...

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