www.iraq-daily.com Iraq is to impose visa restrictions on foreigners entering the country as part of a campaign to bolster internal security after it regains sovereignty at the end of this month.
Interior minister Falah Hassan al-Naqib said foreigners would be admitted on 15-day tourist visas that could be extended to one month.
Long-term foreign residents could obtain permits to stay for up to five years, and there would be special visas for diplomats and official delegations.
Mr Al-Naqib did not mention any special category for foreign journalists and contract workers employed by the Iraqi government or the multinational military force.
Nor did he say whether any nationalities would be exempt from the visa requirement.
Iraq maintained a strict visa policy during the rule of Saddam Hussein.
After he was ousted, most nationalities could enter the country indefinitely after presenting a passport at the border.
However, Iraqis have complained strongly that the relaxation has led to an influx of foreign fighters, criminals and intelligence agents whose presence threatens internal security. |