ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — The issuance of residence permits for Kurdish-Iranian (Rojhelat) opposition parties has been suspended for over a month in Erbil province. In contrast, Sulaimani continues to issue permits, but under stricter regulations, according to sources from the Kurdish Rojhelat opposition parties.
Multiple sources from these parties confirmed to Zoom News that residence permit issuance for their members has been halted in Erbil, with authorities clearly stating that renewals are also suspended.
“It’s been a month since our members have repeatedly visited Erbil’s Residency Directorate, but each time they returned empty-handed, being informed that both the issuance and renewal of residence permits have been halted,” a source from a Kurdish Rojhelat opposition party told Zoom News on the condition of anonymity.
“We have contacted and notified all relevant authorities about the issue, but they all give us the same response,” the source added.
The source further explained that the suspension is linked to the Iraq-Iran security agreement concerning the presence of Kurdish Rojhelat opposition parties in the Kurdistan Region, particularly in the border areas.
According to information obtained by Zoom News, stricter regulations have also been implemented in Sulaimani province, making it increasingly difficult to obtain residence permits. The one-year residence period has been reduced to just one month, and support letters from Kurdish Rojhelat parties are no longer accepted for new permits or renewals.
In March 2023, Iraq and Iran signed a border protection agreement aimed at suppressing the activities of Kurdish opposition parties from Rojhelat. As part of the deal, Iraq committed to disarming these parties and enhancing security in the border regions.
Tehran, Baghdad forge agreement to disarm Iranian opposition groups in Kurdistan Region
Last year, Iranian rocket and missile strikes on political party headquarters in the Kurdistan Region claimed lives and caused numerous casualties. This year, the new agreement has halted these deadly attacks, bringing a rare period of calm to the area.
