At a Glance

• The KRG Ministry of Interior has reduced fines for visa and residency delays for foreign nationals by 75%.
• The decision applies to eligible foreigners with expired visas or residency permits.
• Applicants will pay 25% of their accumulated fines during the discount period.
• The deadline to benefit from the reduction is December 31, 2026.

---

The Caretaker KRG Ministry of Interior has announced a 75% reduction in delay fines for foreign nationals with expired visas or residency permits.

---

Key Statements and Focus Area

• Fee reduction: "Foreign nationals covered by the decision will pay only 25% of their total accumulated visa or residency delay fines until December 31, 2026." — KRG Ministry of Interior
• Eligibility: "The measure covers foreigners who entered the Kurdistan Region legally but could not extend their visas or convert them into residency permits, as well as those whose residency permits have expired." — KRG Ministry of Interior
• Implementation: "The reduction was issued under order No. 32,557, dated October 15, 2026, and applies to fines stipulated under Ministry of Interior Instruction No. 1 of 2021." — KRG Ministry of Interior

---

The decision was issued by order of KRG Interior Minister Rebar Ahmed. Eligible foreign nationals can visit residency directorates across the Kurdistan Region during this period to benefit from the reduction.

FYI

Visa and residency permits regulate the legal entry and stay of foreign nationals in the Kurdistan Region. Expired documents can result in financial penalties under the region’s residency rules.

The temporary reduction provides eligible foreign nationals with a limited period to settle outstanding delay fines at a reduced rate. Applicants should contact the relevant residency directorate to confirm their individual circumstances and the procedures required to regularize their status.

Dive Deeper: Handpicked Stories for You

Follow Channel8 for continuous updates:

One Million Subscribers Clear 400 Billion Dinars in Electricity Debt, Runaki Project says