Iraq will impose visa restrictions as part of its campaign to bolster internal security after the country regains its sovereignty at the end of this month, the interior minister said Sunday. Falah Hassan al-Naqib said foreigners will be admitted on 15-day tourist visas that can be extended to one month. Long-term foreign residents can obtain permits to stay here for up to five years, and diplomats and official delegations will get special visas. Al-Naqib did not mention any special category for foreign journalists and contract workers employed by the Iraqi government or the multinational military force. Nor did he say whether any nationalities would be exempt from the visa requirement. Iraq maintained a strict visa policy during the rule of Saddam Hussein. After Saddam's ouster, most nationalities could enter the country indefinitely after presenting a passport at the border.
| One tenet of sovereignty is controlling the borders. |
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