Over 8,000 foreigners in Kurdistan
Region-Iraq 14.6.2006
June 13, 2006 issue | |
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Kurdistan-Iraq, -- According to
recent statistics, there are over eight thousand foreigners
currently residing in the Kurdistan Region.
Approximately five thousand of these people have come for trading
purposes, with the remaining three thousand being students and
refugees.
According to the new data, the majority of these foreigners have
migrated mainly from Turkey, Syria and Iran. British, German and
citizens from other countries are also included in this figure.
"This figure includes only those who have stayed in the region, not
those who have come temporarily," said Yadgar Anwar, Head of Erbil
Settling Directorate.
"A large number of people have come to Kurdistan from central and
southern Iraq to find jobs or to escape violence and terrorism –
this group of people has not been included in the figures as these
individuals are not regarded as foreigners,” Anwar further
explained.
"We arrange special investigations for them for security purposes
and then they are offered every help and facility."
Government officials have stated that these people have the right to
remain in the Kurdistan Region according to the terms and conditions
of the Interior Ministry. Foreigners entering Kurdistan are
initially issued a ten-day visa. |
A German restaurant owner prepares for the evening’s football show
at his Restaurant and rest house in Ainkawa, Erbil
Photo: The Globe |
Those wishing to extend their stay must report to the Settlings
Directorate, where they may be issued three-month, six-month or
one-year visas.
In order to qualify for citizenship, foreigners are required to have
resided legally in the Kurdistan Region for seven years, and to have
maintained a clear criminal record during that period.
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