KRG official outlines key steps for upcoming population census
Merany emphasized the importance of the census, calling it a critical national endeavor that will significantly influence the future of the Kurdistan Region.
ERBIL (Kurdistam24) – Hemn Merany, Director General of the Diwan at the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Ministry of Interior, held a press conference on Sunday to outline the preparations and procedures for the upcoming national population census.
Merany emphasized the importance of the census, calling it a critical national endeavor that will significantly influence the future of the Kurdistan Region. He clarified that the process is non-political and urged residents to participate fully.
Census Dates and Resident Requirements
Residents of the Kurdistan Region are required to stay at home on Nov. 17, 18, and 19 to complete census forms. Merany assured that essential services, including airports, businesses, and bakeries, will continue to operate during the process, with limited movement restrictions imposed in specific areas. These restrictions, however, will not apply to foreigners or non-Kurdish residents.
Article 140 Areas and Citizen Responsibilities
Merany addressed citizens from areas under Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution, urging them to return to their places of origin for registration. For those unable to do so, he advised clearly indicating their ties to these areas. He warned that failure to cooperate with census workers or withholding complete information could result in exclusion from Iraq's official database.
“It is crucial that citizens facilitate the work of census workers. Non-cooperation will harm individuals by excluding them from recognition as Iraqi citizens,” Merany said.
Three-Phase Process
The census will occur in three phases:
1. Nov. 17-19: Census workers will visit households to collect data.
2. Nov. 20-21: A follow-up visit will ensure all residents are counted.
3. General Census Days: Data will be finalized across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
Merany highlighted that family heads could register household members even if they are not present, provided official documents are left at home.
Collaboration with Baghdad
The official revealed that after extensive negotiations with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and the Ministry of Planning, Kurdish demands were incorporated into the process. In Kurdish areas outside KRG control, the 1957 census data will serve as the baseline for determining demographic details.
The nationwide population census is set to take place on Nov. 20 and 21, marking a significant milestone in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region's governance and planning efforts.
