Iraq stops visas for Asian groups

Iraq has stopped issuing tourist visas for religious groups from Asian countries effective July 18, according to travel sources.

The issue of tourist visas for religious groups is mainly undertaken by the consulate as per 'an Iraqi authority-approved' list of travellers provided to it by travel companies-who are agents for firms in Baghdad, explained Taha Al Hadethi, Iraqi consul general in Dubai.

While he did not explain the reasons for the decision, Al Hadethi said the consulate has neither received nor issued instructions on the move.

Summer is known in Baghdad for receiving a low influx of religious tourists and businessmen.

"But we usually get huge numbers of visitors mainly in autumn, winter and spring. We sometimes issue around 50 to 100 daily and two months ago we issued around 450 visas in two days."

Ismail Johar of Johar Travels, the company which handles tourist visas for religious groups said: "From July 18, they have stopped issuing visas. The reasons were not stated. We were informed that this is a temporary measure and they will begin issuing visas shortly.

"Authorities in Baghdad have stopped issuing tourist visa advice for religious groups that often go to Karbala, Najaf, Koufa and other holy sites. We handle these visa applications for the religious groups, and the Iraqi Consulate issues the visa.

"However, from last month, we received instructions that each visa application should be pre-approved from Baghdad."

Dubai-based Naif Marine Services and Al Thyraya Marine Services operate five weekly voyages between Dubai and the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr, under an agreement with the UN.

Over 2,000 tourists, mostly Indian and Pakistanis, visit the Iraqi holy sites.