Iraq nationality chief rejects ‘naturalization’ claims for Syrians

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s director of nationality and civil status on Monday denied reports that thousands of Syrians have been granted Iraqi nationality, saying the process in question is legal registration, not naturalization.

“We object to the term ‘naturalization’ when referring to Syrians; this is not naturalization, it is registration,” Ahmed Hadeed Al-Maamouri said in an interview on Iraqiya TV.

The claims, circulated in local media and political circles, suggest large numbers of Syrians in border areas, particularly in Anbar, have been naturalized in recent years. Al-Maamouri disputed this, calling the figures inaccurate. “As for the figures circulated in the media—they are far from reality,” he said.

Al-Maamouri explained that Iraq’s Nationality Law No. 26 of 2006 governs the process. Article 3(a), he said, grants equal rights to mothers and fathers in passing on nationality: “An Iraqi is anyone born to an Iraqi father or an Iraqi mother.” Previously, nationality was recognized only for those born to both an Iraqi father and mother.

Some excerpts of Al-Maamouri’s interview on Iraqiya TV:

The Iraqi Nationality Law No. 26 of 2006 regulates the granting of nationality to Iraqis and non-Iraqis.

Article 3(a) of the law grants nationality by birth and equalized the rights of mothers and fathers in this regard. The article states: “An Iraqi is anyone born to an Iraqi father or an Iraqi mother.” Previously, however, Iraqi nationality was only recognized for those born to both an Iraqi father and mother by birth.

We object to the term “naturalization” when referring to Syrians; this is not naturalization, it is registration.

From the enforcement of Law No. 26 in 2006 until 2024, a total of 3,376 individuals have been registered as Iraqis based on authentic official documents proving that their mothers are Iraqi.

In the border city of Al-Qaim, the Civil Status Directorate maintains 190 verified civil status registers. By 2024, the number of officially registered citizens in these records reached 157,685 Iraqis, all with legitimate documentation.

What happened is that when we began registering citizens in this office—and across Anbar generally—starting in November 2024, a review of citizens’ applications in the Civil Information System revealed certain cases of unlawful registration. It was confirmed that the documents used in these cases were forged. These instances were presented to the Minister of Interior, who immediately ordered investigations. Committees were formed and began work without delay.

Disciplinary actions were taken against those found negligent, and they were referred to the courts—including the Internal Security Forces courts for military personnel.

During the period of terrorist control in Anbar [ISIS], the health directorates and courts suffered arson and destruction of their records. Yet, some of the essential documents required to prove nationality include marriage certificates of parents or an individual’s birth record. When we requested verification from those institutions, the documents were shown to be either invalid or forged.

Strict and decisive measures have been taken in this regard. I personally visited Anbar a few days ago as part of a security team, reviewed one specific case on the ground, identified those responsible, ordered their detention, and took immediate legal action.

Currently, any entries in the Civil Information System are electronic, and those suspected records have been suspended and nullified pending authentication. National ID cards issued under these registrations have been frozen immediately.

As for the figures circulated in the media—they are far from reality.