Baghdad: Jubair Shallal Al-Dulaimi, Charg© d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Damascus, affirmed the embassy’s continued efforts to enhance consular services for Iraqis residing in Syria and to overcome obstacles hindering the processing of their transactions, while also noting the ongoing follow-up regarding the issue of detainees in Syria.
According to Iraqi News Agency, Al-Dulaimi stated that the embassy, acting in accordance with the directives of Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, is committed to removing obstacles and enhancing the quality of consular services for Iraqi citizens abroad. This aligns with the government program’s goals of boosting state institutional efficiency and streamlining the processing of citizens’ transactions. The embassy provides a full range of services alongside performing its diplomatic role.
He added that the embassy issues passports and travel documents to eligible individuals in accordance with the laws, regulations, and directives issued by the Ministry of Interior. It also processes various types of powers of attorney and birth records for Iraqis, issues death certificates, and authenticates various documents and certificates after verifying their authenticity. There is direct and continuous coordination between the mission and the Consular Department at the Ministry’s headquarters.
Al-Dulaimi explained that the embassy coordinates with the relevant Syrian authorities regarding the restitution of property to Iraqis who submitted requests through the ministry or the embassy. Such properties have been returned to their owners. He further stated that the Iraqi Embassy in Syria is actively following up on the cases of Iraqis detained by Syrian authorities, particularly those with residency violations due to lacking valid passports or having lost their identification documents, as well as cases involving illegal entry and other matters, including criminal charges.
He noted that the Ministry has made significant strides and achieved a shift in developing and accelerating the processing of citizens’ transactions, reducing waiting times, and curbing the backlog of applications and appointments. Furthermore, it has alleviated the burdens citizens face in accessing services and completing their transactions by developing auditing and appointment-booking systems, as well as electronic workflow services.
He emphasized the Embassy’s continued commitment to taking measures that overcome obstacles, enhance consular operations, and improve the quality and performance of services. This reflects the government’s concern for Iraqi citizens wherever they may be and strengthens the bonds of communication between citizens and the Embassy.