In a recent diplomatic development, Iraq and Turkey have agreed to waive entry visa requirements for specific age groups traveling between the two nations. The agreement, announced following talks between Iraqi and Turkish officials in Ankara, applies to civilians under the age of 15 and those over the age of 50.
Omar al-Barzanji, Undersecretary for Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led the Iraqi delegation during the discussions with Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Yasin Ekrem Serim. According to Barzanji, the visa exemption aims to facilitate travel and strengthen ties between the two neighboring countries.
The exemption, however, does not extend to other age groups, signaling a targeted approach to visa policy adjustments aimed at promoting easier mobility for young children and older adults.
Currently, legal crossings into Turkey from Iraq are primarily facilitated through the Ibrahim Khalil border crossing in the Kurdistan Region and the Zet border crossing in Erbil province. Although flights connect several Iraqi and Turkish cities daily, Sulaimani remains excluded from direct flights since April 2023 due to restrictions imposed by Turkey.
The Iraqi delegation also discussed broader bilateral issues during the meeting, including the exchange of prisoners, particularly those convicted of minor offenses who are set to complete their sentences upon repatriation. This agreement underscores mutual cooperation on consular matters, security initiatives, counterterrorism efforts, and judicial collaboration between Iraq and Turkey.
The embassy of Iraq in Ankara issued a statement highlighting the shared commitment to combating illegal immigration, extradition of convicts, and facilitating the transfer of sentenced individuals to serve their terms in their respective home countries.
This visa exemption for specific age demographics marks a step towards enhancing people-to-people exchanges and fostering closer diplomatic ties between Iraq and Turkey.
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