Many people have recently attempted to leave Iraq through regular and irregular routes, including through Iran and Turkey to reach the European Union (EU) to seek asylum. These journeys are often encouraged and organized by smugglers and travel agents who demand large cash payments to travel often with no guarantee of reaching your intended destination.
In the past years, thousands of those people and their families were stranded in dire situations in countries of transit with no shelter, no food or water, and no medical care. Many were pushed back at the borders, leaving them in a worse situation than before they undertook the journey, often with no money, high debt, and no house to go back to. Very few have reached the EU, and those who did, say that they and their family members and children suffered and were traumatized along the way.
Understand the Risks
While your right to seek asylum should be respected, be aware that traveling without a visa is full of risks, no matter your asylum claim, and may expose you and your family to extreme physical, mental, and financial harm.
Smugglers and other agents facilitating such travel may demand money from you before, during, and after your journey, and they cannot guarantee that you will reach your intended destination. You and your family may become victims of individuals who are motivated by profit or other gains, as they make promises to take you to another country unofficially. Such individuals will often not have your safety nor your interest in mind. They may be taking advantage of your situation and the fact that you are unable to travel legally. You and your family could risk abuse and exploitation.
Getting a visa for a country bordering the EU and reaching that country does not guarantee access to the EU. EU countries require separate visas to enter. Without one, you may get stuck without safe options, and you may be at risk of detention, separation from your family, or automatic return to your country of origin.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
As per instructions from the authorities in Duhok once an individual departs from KRI by air or land, they will no longer have access to UNHCR registration or be able to obtain a humanitarian residency permit, unless they have obtained permission from the Department of Residency prior to their departure.
Protect yourself and your family
Beware of claims and promises you see on social media and untrusted websites.
There are many fraudulent actors, websites, and pages on social media that make false claims and promises or pretend to be UNHCR, the UN, or foreign embassies in exchange for money or services.
If you see any organization or individual claiming to work for UNHCR and offering travel facilitation assistance for a fee, walk away and report. Please be reminded that all services provided by UN and humanitarian actors are free of cost.
Protect yourself, your family, and your community from fraud. If in doubt: pause, reflect, and report to UNHCR Iraq Anti-Fraud email: [email protected] or UNHCR Inspector General’s Office: [email protected], +41227398844 or fill the complaint portal www.unhcr.org/php/complaints.php. Reporting a fraud allegation will not negatively affect you or the assistance you receive from UNHCR.
UN agencies and NGOs have a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse. If you or anyone you know has been asked by any worker to do something inappropriate or any kind of sexual favor or activity in exchange for help, report the incident to [email protected]. All complaints are handled with high confidentiality.
Reach Out
If you or your family require advice, support, or counseling about your situation in Iraq, including if you wish to reunite with family members in the EU or UK, contact UNHCR or partners to discuss your options. Read further on complementary pathways page.