Kurdistan Interior Ministry Issues Decision on Foreigners with Residency Issues

ARK News.. The Ministry of Interior in the Kurdistan Region has issued a new decision concerning foreign nationals who entered the region legally but are facing residency-related problems.

In a statement released on Monday, April 27, 2026, the ministry said the decision aims to assist foreigners who entered with official visas but were unable to extend their residency permits, failed to obtain them, or whose permits have expired.

According to the ministry, and based on its authority under Law No. 6 of 2009, the following measures were announced:

First: Individuals wishing to remain in the Kurdistan Region and obtain a new residency permit or renew their existing one must visit one of the residency offices within 90 working days and pay 25% of the total accumulated late fines.

Second: Those wishing to leave the Kurdistan Region and return to their home countries will be subject to the same procedure outlined above and will be granted exit visas through the same residency offices.

The ministry confirmed that the decision takes effect immediately from the date of issuance and will remain valid for 90 days. After this period, any residency violations will be handled in accordance with Instruction No. 1 of 2021.

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