Ministry issues advisory for pilgrims travelling to Iraq

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued instructions for pilgrims going to Iraq, warning them that they will have to pay a hefty fine of 500,000 Iraqi dinars for staying beyond the stipulated period.

According to the details, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued very important instructions for Pakistani pilgrims going to Iraq, according to which the Iraqi government has decided to take the strictest legal measures to prevent misuse of pilgrimage visas and illegal stay.

In case of any violation of visa conditions, pilgrims can be prevented from entering Iraq, and their visa fees can also be confiscated.

In the notification issued by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, it will be mandatory for all people going on family group visas to travel together and cross the border, while men under the age of 50 will no longer be able to travel alone and enter Iraq.

The ministry further said that the pilgrimage visa will be valid for only 30 days, and pilgrims will not be able to use the same visa for Ashura and Arbaeen, but will have to obtain separate visas for both.

Under Iraqi law, if a pilgrim stays there for more than the prescribed period, that is, more than 60 days, he will have to pay a hefty fine of 500,000 Iraqi dinars, while detention, deportation, and permanent ban may also be imposed.

All future visa applications of those who violate the rules will be rejected forever.

The ministry has clarified that the pilgrims’ passports must have a minimum validity of 6 months at the time of travel.

In addition, the names of children or other family members will no longer be acceptable on the same passport, but it has been made mandatory for each family member to have a separate and individual passport.