The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has eased its travel advice for Iraq, while reducing the risk level for large areas of Iraq .
The Iraq-Britain Business Council (IBBC) noted that “as part of a new and more detailed approach, the ministry has reduced the risk level in large areas of Iraq, including Baghdad, large areas south of Baghdad, and the north-east of the country in Kurdistan along the border with Iran .”
He continued, “The council has long pushed for these tips to be eased in favor of its companies, as many of its members move freely within Iraq without threat or danger .”
The change is that the area classified as orange will shift from red – where red advises against all travel, while orange allows essential travel at the discretion of the individual and the company .
“We have raised the issue of easing travel advice with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at every opportunity over the past two years, particularly as it has not kept pace with a sense of normality in most parts of Iraq,” said Christophe Michel, Director General of the Iraq-British Business Council. “We welcome this easing of travel restrictions as it will make it easier for businesses to travel to Iraq and encourage new businesses to consider investment and visits .”
“This is a thoughtful and welcome move that reflects positive improvements in security, as well as increased reconstruction work on the ground in Iraq in recent years ,” said John Wilkes, adviser to the Iraq-British Business Council and former British Ambassador to Iraq.
“This should encourage more British businesses to visit Iraq to see the progress being made, as well as the challenges that remain,” he continued. “I was in Baghdad recently and the progress was clear and encouraging, and we at the Iraq-British Business Council are always ready to support our members and welcome new members to benefit from these improvements .”
Earlier, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani concluded his visit to the United Kingdom and headed to Baghdad .
The visit included signing 12 memoranda of understanding in various specializations with British universities, signing 8 memoranda of understanding between the Iraqi public and private sectors and British companies, signing a memorandum of understanding with British Petroleum ( BP) , signing a memorandum of understanding on climate change, the environment and carbon economics, and signing a memorandum of understanding between the Sovereign Guarantees Initiative Committee and the British Export Credit Guarantee Corporation .
