The Kurdistan Region’s Interior Ministry has introduced a 90-day grace period, which ends on 26 July 2026, allowing foreign nationals with expired visas to regularize their immigration status or depart the region, incurring only 25 percent of standard overstay fines.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
This measure introduces a temporary window for employers and foreign nationals who may be out of compliance due to expired visas. By reducing financial penalties and offering a clear administrative process, the policy may be relevant for organizations reviewing the immigration status of their globally mobile employees, including implications for administrative processes and cost considerations.
Key Highlights
- Foreign nationals with expired visas have 90 days from the announcement to address their status.
- Only 25 percent of standard overstay fines may be charged, applying both to those who regularize their status and those who depart.
- Individuals wishing to remain must visit a local administrative office; those departing may receive an exit clearance from the relevant district authority.
The measure applies only within the Kurdistan Region and during the specified 90-day window.
KPMG INSIGHTS
In light of the changes, the organisations and individuals might consider the following:
- Employers could review the immigration status of their foreign employees and inform those with expired visas about the 90-day window and reduced penalties.
- Affected individuals could consider engaging with local administrative offices during the applicable period to take advantage of the measure.
If assignees and/or their programme managers have any questions or concerns about the scope of the update, its application and potential impacts, and appropriate next steps, they should consult with their qualified immigration professional or a member of the GMS immigration team with KPMG in Lower Gulf (see the Contacts section).
ENDNOTE:
1 Shafaq News website, “Iraqi Kurdistan offers 90-day amnesty for foreigners with expired visas,” published on 27 April 2026.
Contacts
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in the United Arab Emirates.
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