The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has issued fresh guidelines for Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Iraq, warning that strict Iraqi visa conditions must be followed to prevent misuse of pilgrimage visas and avoid entry denials, it was reported on Tuesday.
According to a circular issued by the ministry, Iraqi authorities have raised concerns over cases in which individuals obtain visas as part of family groups but arrive at Iraqi immigration checkpoints without the accompanying family members listed in their applications.
The ministry said Iraqi authorities may deny entry to individuals found violating visa conditions, while visa fees paid by such applicants will not be refunded. It added that requests from embassies or other authorities seeking admission for individuals refused entry would not be entertained by the Iraqi government.
Under the new guidelines, male pilgrims below the age of 50 travelling alone will not be permitted to enter Iraq. However, men under 50 will be allowed entry if they travel with the family members declared in their visa applications.
The circular directed all Ziarat Group Organizers (ZGOs) to ensure that visa information provided by applicants is accurate, complete and verifiable. Applicants obtaining visas under the family-group category must travel together with the family members listed in their applications.
The ministry also advised pilgrims not to use pilgrimage or visit visas for employment-seeking or any other unauthorised activities.
According to the guidelines, all pilgrims must carry passports with a minimum validity of six months from the date of travel. Every accompanying family member, including newborn children, must possess a separate valid passport.
The circular stated that Iraqi pilgrimage visas would remain valid for 30 days only and could not be used for both Ashura and Arbaeen visits. Pilgrims wishing to attend Arbaeen after completing an Ashura visit will be required to obtain a fresh visa.
The ministry further said visas issued under the family category would be subject to verification and compliance with Iraqi immigration requirements.
The advisory warned that overstaying in Iraq could result in heavy penalties. Pilgrims overstaying for up to 60 days may face a fine of 500,000 Iraqi dinars, while those exceeding 60 days could face detention, deportation and a lifetime ban on re-entry into Iraq.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs directed all registered Ziarat Group Organizers to disseminate the instructions among prospective pilgrims and ensure full compliance before departure, warning that violations could result in denial of entry, deportation, loss of visa fees and other legal consequences.
