Baghdad: The Iraqi Embassy in Damascus announced on Sunday the return of a number of properties in Syria to their Iraqi owners. It also outlined the categories of Iraqis currently permitted to visit Syria, noting that efforts are underway to resume tourist visas between the two countries.
According to Iraqi News Agency, Deputy Iraqi Ambassador to Damascus Abdul Hadi Qais stated that the embassy is committed to assisting Iraqi citizens residing in Syria by offering a range of consular services. These include issuing laissez-passers, document certifications, and addressing various consular issues. Qais emphasized that any member of the Iraqi community facing difficulties can approach the embassy, which will coordinate with Syrian authorities to resolve such issues.
Qais detailed a recent case involving a tanker truck driver who lost his passport on his return trip to Baniyas. The embassy issued a laissez-passer within a day to facilitate his departure from Syria. For Iraqis residing in Syria, the embassy also certifies educational documents for their children, which are then sent to Baghdad for equivalency procedures.
He confirmed that the embassy issues birth and death certificates. Qais highlighted the cooperation between Syrian and Iraqi authorities in resolving problems faced by Iraqis in Syria, such as detention, property seizure, or loss of identification documents. The embassy works to address these issues and has successfully facilitated the return of seized residential properties to their Iraqi owners.
In cases where Iraqis born in areas previously outside government control lack identification, the embassy assists by issuing necessary documents. This involves presenting a certified marriage contract and Syrian birth certificate to obtain an Iraqi birth certificate for civil status registration in Iraq.
Regarding travel conditions, Qais explained that Iraqis married to Syrians can currently obtain entry visas through the Syrian Embassy in Iraq. Children can travel with their Syrian mother and obtain residency, while students can apply for educational visas. Businesspersons with commercial registration can apply for trade-related entry visas through relevant authorities.
Qais confirmed ongoing coordination with Syrian authorities to restore previous travel arrangements, following Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein’s visit to Syria. Diplomatic channels are being utilized to reorganize travel procedures and visa issuance.
First Secretary at the Iraqi Consulate in Syria, Mustafa Ismail Al-Sajaz, highlighted the embassy’s daily operations, which include processing document certifications, laissez-passers, and various other transactions. The embassy also facilitates powers of attorney, life certificates, and visas for Iraqi citizens’ Syrian spouses and children.
Al-Sajaz noted that many property-related issues have been resolved through cooperation between Iraqi and Syrian governments, affirming the balanced relations between the two countries. Concerning entry visas, he stated that the visa fee is $50, payable at the border after obtaining security approval from Syrian authorities. While tourist visas remain suspended, there is hope for their future resumption.