The Iraqi Ministry of Migration and Displacement announced today, Thursday, the results of the comprehensive national plan to reduce irregular migration, confirming a substantial decrease in its rates and outlining its measures in this regard.
Kareem Al-Nouri, the ministry's deputy, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that "the rates of illegal migration among Iraqis have significantly decreased for many reasons, including the European rejection of the justifications for irregular migration, especially since Iraq’s situation now is good compared to the previous regime." He pointed out that "there are about 30,000 Iraqi expatriates in Germany alone and 60,000 Iraqis in other European countries."
He added that "another factor that has also limited this migration is the swift Iraqi measures to stop travel to Belarus, which facilitated the entrance of Iraqis through trafficking mafias and human smuggling companies." He noted that Iraq has conveyed a clear message to the European Union, which was previously apprehensive; however, it now views Iraqi measures as positive and respectful, occurring within the framework of international laws.
He emphasized that "Iraq has proven to be one of the countries fighting irregular migration through awareness and education and through reciprocal visits with other countries."
He explained that "the ministry is now moving toward an informational campaign to highlight the dangers of irregular migration, especially given the European concerns regarding the reception of Iraqis and the refusal of some European countries to allow irregular migration from Iraq, as Iraq early warned that some countries, such as Belarus, when opening their borders, are merely gambling with and trafficking Iraqis."
He noted that "Iraq has facilitated many procedures for the return of Iraqis and has called on the European Union to provide some privileges and opportunities for the return of Iraqis to their homeland."
