Indian government has decided to stop granting emigration clearances for Iraq.

New Delhi, June 21/Nationalturk – In view of turmoil in Iraq and abduction of 40 Indian nationals in Mosul city of Iraq, Indian government has decided to stop granting emigration clearances for the Middle East country.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high level review meeting on Safety of Indian nationals in Iraq  yesterday.  Indian Home minister, External Affairs Minister, National Security Advisor, heads of Intelligence agencies and security agencies, along with senior officials of Ministry of External Affairs and Indian Overseas Affairs attended the meeting which discussed prevailing situation in Iraq and its impact on India.

“The issue of abduction of Indian nationals in Iraq was also discussed threadbare in the meeting. It was reiterated in the meeting that safety of Indian nationals in Iraq continues to be a matter of high priority for Indian government,” an Indian government spokesman said.

‘All Indian nationals in Iraq safe’

He said the meeting reviewed the entire dimensions of the issue safety of Indian nationals in Iraq taking into consideration all facts that have been available with the government.

“Based on the detailed review, it was confirmed that Indian nationals, who have been abducted in Iraq remain safe. Indian government is making every effort for the safe return of the abducted nationals,” the spokesman said.

The spokesman said Indian government has decided that any Indian national who is indigent and desires to return but is unable to pay for his tickets, will be assisted through the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) in Iraq by Indian mission there.

‘No emigration clearance for 1 month’

“In view of turmoil in Iraq, Ministry of Overseas Indian affairs has decided to stop granting emigration clearances for Iraq for a period of one month or till the situation demands starting last night. This was done noticing that the flow of traffic was continuing even though there was an advisory already issued in this regard not to travel to Iraq,” he said.

He said Indian Mission in Baghdad continues to assist those Indian nationals, who would like to leave the region, even from areas where security is not tenuous as yet. “We are in touch with Indian nationals in areas where security remains tenuous.”

The spokesman said all Indian missions in the region bordering Iraq have been informed that in case Indian people need any assistance for crossing by land through to these countries, they may be assisted fully.

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