The Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued guidelines for pilgrims traveling to Iraq, warning that overstaying the permitted duration may result in a heavy fine of 500,000 Iraqi dinars.
According to details, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has released important instructions for Pakistani pilgrims going to Iraq. The Iraqi government has decided to enforce strict legal measures to prevent misuse of pilgrimage visas and illegal overstays.
In case of any violation of visa conditions, pilgrims may be denied entry into Iraq and their visa fees may also be confiscated.
The notification issued by the Ministry states that all individuals traveling on a family group visa must travel and cross the border together. Moreover, men under the age of 50 will not be allowed to enter Iraq alone.
The Ministry further stated that the pilgrimage visa will be valid for only 30 days, and pilgrims will not be able to use one visa for both Ashura and Arbaeen; separate visas will be required for each.
Under Iraqi law, if a pilgrim stays beyond the allowed period (more than 60 days), they will have to pay a fine of 500,000 Iraqi dinars, and may also face detention, deportation, or permanent travel bans.
Those who violate the rules may have all future visa applications permanently rejected.
The Ministry also clarified that passports must have at least six months validity. Additionally, children or other family members cannot be included in a single passport; each individual must have their own separate passport.
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