Economy

KRG suspends visa issuance for Syrian workers, prioritizes local employment

The decision underscores the Kurdistan Region's proactive approach to managing its labor market and ensuring that its citizens have access to employment opportunities.

Kurdistan 24 2024/03/30 15:18

The directory of the Erbil residency office. (Photo: Kurdistan 24)

Kurdistan Syrian Workers Local Workforce KRG Policy KRG Visa

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – In a move aimed at bolstering employment opportunities for the local workforce, the Kurdistan Region has temporarily halted the issuance of visas for bachelor Syrian applicants. Sheikh Kamil Mohammed, the director of the Erbil residency, disclosed this decision, citing directives from the Interior Minister.

The suspension of visa issuance comes amidst concerns over the economic turmoil in Syria, which has led to an influx of Syrian families seeking employment in the Kurdistan Region. However, in light of the region's commitment to prioritizing job opportunities for the local workforce, Sheikh Kamil Mohammed emphasized the need to suspend visas for bachelor Syrian workers.

"We have suspended the issuance of visas and residence permits for those Syrians that are not married and would like to come to work in the Kurdistan Region; this is to create more job opportunities for Kurdistan’s local workforce," stated Sheikh Kamil Mohammed.

“Visas are only issued to those families that are coming to the Kurdistan Region for the purposes of tourism or family reunion,” he stressed.

The decision underscores the Kurdistan Region's proactive approach to managing its labor market and ensuring that its citizens have access to employment opportunities. By temporarily halting the issuance of visas for Syrian workers, the region aims to address unemployment challenges while also acknowledging the economic hardships faced by Syrian nationals.

Under the new guidelines, visas will only be granted to Syrian families who apply through the Ministry of Interior's visa system and are sponsored by recognized companies. This measure aims to streamline the visa process and prevent exploitation by intermediaries who may seek to circumvent regulations.

Furthermore, Sheikh Kamil Mohammed highlighted the fluid nature of migration patterns, with some Syrian workers using the Kurdistan Region as a transit point to other Iraqi cities. As such, the suspension of visas for those acting as intermediaries aims to curb irregular migration and ensure the integrity of the visa system.