Influx of Iranian visitors at Zurbatiyah border ahead of Arbaeen pilgrimage

WASIT, August 19 — Wasit governorate’s Zurbatiyah border crossing is witnessing an influx of Iranian visitors ahead of Arbaeen observances, with authorities expecting some 60-percent of Iranian visitors headed to Karbala will pass through the border gate.

Mohammed Jameel Al-Mayahi, Governor of Wasit, told 964: “The Zurbatiyah border crossing is the busiest among Iraq’s border crossings during the Arbaeen pilgrimage. It is anticipated that the number of visitors entering through it will reach 2.5 million, which accounts for approximately 60-percent of the total visitors coming to Iraq for the pilgrimage.”

“We have completed all service, logistical, medical, and security preparations, both with the Iranian side and Wasit governorate. This week, we will inaugurate a modern and spacious reception hall equipped with entry visa cabins to facilitate the processing and passage through the crossing,” he said.

A security source at the border crossing said: “The numbers of visitors entering through the Zurbatiyah border crossing noticeably increased tonight, as the crossing received hundreds of visitors associated with religious tourism campaigns.”

“As agreed between both sides, the plan to facilitate the passage of visitors will commence on [August 22], which is in three days. At that time, we expect the daily number of incoming visitors to range between 150,000 to 200,000,” he added.

“Visitors prefer to enter during the night, starting from the early evening hours until dawn, due to the lower temperatures.”