KUWAIT CITY, Feb 20: The Ambassador of Iraq to Kuwait Al-Munhal Al- Safi praised the decision that came into effect on Tuesday to allow Iraqi citizens to obtain electronic tourist entry visas to Kuwait. In a press statement issued on the sidelines of the Japanese embassy’s National Day celebration, Ambassador Al- Safi explained that this step is the result of efforts exerted by the Iraqi embassy in Kuwait, in collaboration with Kuwaiti authorities, primarily the Ministry of Interior, led by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah. The decision followed the success of the 26th Gulf Cup Football Championship and aims to further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two sisterly countries.

Regarding the visa acquisition process, Ambassador Al-Safi explained that the same mechanism used by Kuwaiti authorities during the Gulf 26 Championship is being followed. Visas can be obtained through the Ministry of Interior’s website by completing the visa application form and meeting the requirements. The conditions include a hotel reservation or a residential address in Kuwait. The tourist visa is valid for one month. In another development, the Iraqi ambassador praised the outcomes of the eighth meeting of the Kuwaiti-Iraqi Technical Legal Committee, which took place on Sunday in Kuwait. He said the meeting was held in a positive atmosphere and followed the regular bi-monthly meeting schedule in the capitals of the two countries. Ambassador Al-Safi stressed that the meetings are ongoing and each one opens new opportunities, indicating that advancing these negotiations reflects the strong desire of both nations to continue developing a clear roadmap for future cooperation.

In response to a question regarding the restoration of Iraqi citizenship for those affected by the decision to revoke Kuwaiti citizenship under Article 8, Ambassador Al-Safi revealed that the Iraqi embassy had been informed via a memorandum from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the withdrawal of nationality from many wives of Kuwaiti men. He affirmed that these cases are being examined to determine the legal procedures necessary to restore Iraqi citizenship. The ambassador indicated that it is possible for those who previously renounced their Iraqi citizenship to regain it by submitting a request to the Iraqi Minister of Interior through the consular section at the Iraqi Embassy in Kuwait, to initiate the required legal procedures.

By Fares Al-Abdan
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff