Baghdad: More than 30,000 Iraqis have been rejected in Germany, and others have returned from Belarus, as the Ministry of Migration and Displacement emphasizes the need to open safe pathways to counter youth trafficking networks. The Ministry, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), is working on improving policies and systems to address the migration crisis effectively.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Ministry praised the IOM’s ongoing partnership with Iraq, which includes technical support to develop policies, build capacities, and enhance cooperation at both national and international levels. Deputy Minister of Migration Karim al-Nouri highlighted the IOM’s fundamental solutions, which aim to establish systematic pathways to prevent Iraqis from resorting to dangerous migration routes.
Al-Nouri noted that the success achieved so far is due to effective international engagement with Iraq, which has taken significant steps in addressing the migration crisis. He emphasized the importance of identifying opportunities and addressing root causes rather than just symptoms. The Deputy Minister acknowledged the real reasons driving young Iraqis to seek better lives abroad, which often turn into nightmarish experiences.
He stressed the need to move from planning to actual implementation, focusing on expanding safe migration opportunities, linking them to market skills, and providing reliable information to citizens. This includes enhancing migrant protection and reducing irregular migration routes. Al-Nouri also mentioned the role of mafias and gangs in luring Iraqis into dangerous migration routes, such as the situation in Belarus.
Iraq’s decision to close air travel to Belarus and combat these networks received appreciation from the European Union, as the issue impacts Iraq and other regions, including Europe. Al-Nouri concluded by noting the rejection of over 30,000 Iraqi applications in Germany, highlighting the broader challenges faced by Iraqi migrants in Europe.