Islamabad: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, alongside Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Religious Affairs, met with the Iraqi Ambassador Hamid Abbas Lafta to bolster support for Pakistani pilgrims visiting Iraq and improve workforce cooperation. The discussions led to several pivotal agreements, including easing visa restrictions and increasing legal immigration opportunities.

According to Press Information Department, the meeting underscored a mutual commitment to provide maximum assistance to Pakistani pilgrims, especially during the significant months of Muharram and Safar. Interior Minister Naqvi highlighted the issuance of free-of-cost visas and proposed doubling the quota for Pakistani pilgrims. He also addressed the issue of travel agents overcharging pilgrims, ensuring that strict action would be taken against such malpractices.

Further cooperation was evident as both nations agreed to finalize a visa exemption agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders. A Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and HRD and the Iraqi Ministry of Labor is also on the horizon, aimed at simplifying the process for Pakistani citizens to obtain work permits in Iraq. This MoU is expected to boost legal immigration and curb illegal entries.

The meeting was not just about agreements but also reaffirmed the Iraqi government’s support, as Ambassador Lafta handed over a list of errant travel agents and pledged full cooperation in resolving issues faced by illegal Pakistani residents in Iraq.

Interior Minister Naqvi, recently appointed, received congratulatory remarks from Ambassador Lafta and an invitation to visit Iraq, signifying a strengthened bilateral relationship.