What is security clearance?
Security clearance is an essential process of the asylum application to ensure the civilian character of asylum in line with the 1971 refugee law and international law. The security clearance aims to identify those who are not civilians, including combatants, individuals holding arms, or have the intention to do so, and separate them from the asylum system. The security clearance also ensures individuals who are wanted by the order of law for non-political crimes do not have access to asylum but are processed under the relevant legal framework. Security clearance in Iraq for each asylum application is conducted by the security entities within PC-MOI. Moreover, any asylum application is cleared by the Residency Directorate to ensure that those seeking asylum do not hold two legal statuses at the same time in Iraq.
I have a visa/residency in Iraq, can I seek asylum?
If you are already in Iraq and have a valid visa or residency, you can still apply for asylum. You should approach PC-MOI before your residency or visa expires and submit your application for assessment. If your life in the country of origin is threatened, you can submit a request for asylum with evidence supporting your claim.
Can the legal procedures and registration process with the committee be expedited or facilitated through brokers or contractors?
No, because PC-MOI is composed based on a law, with the senior deputy as chairperson, and representatives from all ministries, as well as security and service formations with Director General rank. Decisions are taken through voting, and there is no room for brokers or contractors to facilitate the legal process.