Iraq arrests 85 foreign nationals in Baghdad residency crackdown

BAGHDAD — Iraqi security forces arrested 85 foreign nationals, including several Arabs, for violating residency regulations during a large-scale security operation in the capital on Tuesday, according to a statement from Baghdad Operations Command.

The raids took place in the eastern neighborhoods of Kamaliya and Fadhiliya and involved “area searches, inspections, and verification of foreign labor files,” the command said. A total of 103 people were detained — one on terrorism charges, seven on other legal grounds, and 95 for residency violations.

Authorities confirmed that 85 of those detained were foreign nationals, while others were Iraqi citizens. Security forces also seized unlicensed weapons and ammunition during the operation.

The command said the campaign, carried out by Rusafa Police, the 1st Federal Police Division, and affiliated intelligence units, was intended “to enhance security and stability and preserve the security achievements that have been made.”

The Baghdad arrests follow similar operations in other governorates. Earlier this month, Babil police detained 113 foreign nationals during an inspection campaign at a factory, while in April the Interior Ministry deported 38 people for breaking residency laws.

Residency Law No. 76 of 2017, which regulates the entry, stay, and exit of foreigners in Iraq, replaced a 1978 statute and remains the framework under which foreign labor is monitored and violations are prosecuted.