Visa Exemption and Free Residency for Iraqis Now in Effect

The Minister of Interior in the caretaker government, Bassam Mawlawi, stated in an interview with the "Iraqi News" channel that "the government previously exempted some Arab and European countries from visas, while Iraq was excluded from that. However, today, Iraqi citizens can enter Lebanon without a visa using their passport and are granted a residency for one month, renewable for three months, free of charge." He emphasized that "the government is keen on establishing good relations with all friendly countries, and this decision is a result of what we found appropriate to enhance these relationships," noting that "there is reciprocity between us and Iraq." Mawlawi mentioned that "the Lebanese government aimed to develop relations in this direction with the Republic of Iraq," confirming that "the decision is now in effect, and we have notified the General Security to implement it." The government decided on Saturday to exempt Iraqis from obtaining a visa to enter Lebanon.