Turkey, Iraq sign agreement to facilitate voluntary return of Iraqi citizens

NEWSROOM – Ankara and Baghdad signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday to enable the voluntary return of Iraqi citizens currently residing in Turkey, according to the Turkish Interior Ministry. The agreement was signed by Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya and Iraq’s Minister of Migration and Displacement Evan Faiq Jabro.

“As part of the memorandum of understanding, which aims for a more sustainable and secure approach to migration management, cooperation will be undertaken to prevent irregular and illegal migration,” the Turkish Interior Ministry said in a statement.

The memorandum allows Iraqi nationals living in Turkey to return voluntarily to Iraq. Iraqi officials confirmed that all necessary support and procedures would be provided for those wishing to return.

According to the Turkish Immigration Directorate, as of September 2024, 77,634 Iraqis are living in Turkey with residence permits, and Iraqis rank fourth in Turkish real estate purchases.

Turkey remains a key transit country for Iraqis seeking to migrate to Europe. Many Iraqis overstay their visas while awaiting opportunities to move onward. Turkish authorities reported apprehending 6,447 Iraqi irregular migrants as of September 2024, who are now held in detention centers pending deportation.

This agreement is part of ongoing efforts to improve Iraq-Turkey relations, which have seen significant developments this year. In August, both nations signed a memorandum of understanding on military, security, and counterterrorism cooperation, and reciprocal visa-free travel arrangements were introduced in September for certain age groups.