Members of the security forces wearing masks walk in front of the citadel of Erbil, a touristic landmark usually busy with visitors, in the capital of the northern Iraqi Kurdish autonomous region, during a period of a global pandemic of the coronavirus Covid-19 on March 15, 2020. (Photo by SAFIN HAMED / AFP) (Photo by SAFIN HAMED/AFP via Getty Images)
Diplomatic missions exempted
KRG announces curfew plans and measures to facilitate census operations
ERBIL — The Kurdistan Regional Government has announced a region-wide curfew to facilitate Iraq’s national census, set to begin at midnight on November 19 and last until midnight on November 21. The restrictions aim to ensure efficient operations and accurate data collection by reducing movement disruptions during the census period.
This will mark Iraq’s first national census in more than 20 years, scheduled for Nov. 20, 2024, with preparations involving 120,000 field researchers using advanced electronic data systems.
In its statement, the KRG said, “All civilian movement and vehicle travel will be restricted across governorates, districts, sub-districts, towns, and villages, except in cases of emergencies or essential needs.” The curfew is designed to provide field personnel with unhindered access to conduct the census efficiently.
Certain groups, such as healthcare workers, emergency responders, and municipal service providers, will be exempt from the restrictions. Public health services, ambulances, fire trucks, and other safety operations will continue as usual. Authorized personnel must secure formal approval before the curfew, prioritizing public interest.
Diplomatic missions, embassies, and international organizations, including United Nations agencies, are also exempt from the curfew, ensuring their activities remain unaffected.
Security agencies will enforce the curfew and assist census teams. Accredited journalists and planning department staff, approved by the KRG, will have limited movement to cover and manage census activities.