Baghdad: The Parliamentary Security and Defense Committee has addressed the controversy over reports suggesting that fees were being charged for issuing security guarantee cards at checkpoints near Erbil and Duhok governorates.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, MP Shirwan al-Dubardani, a member of the committee, confirmed that the security guarantee card is a security measure designed to uphold the security and stability of the Kurdistan Region. Al-Dubardani emphasized that these cards are provided free of charge to tourists visiting the region.

He further clarified that the circulating reports about fees being collected for the issuance of security guarantee cards at checkpoints in Erbil and Duhok are entirely false and without basis. The committee’s statement aims to reassure tourists and maintain transparency regarding security procedures in the region.