ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Security forces have detained 68 Syrian, Pakistani and Afghan nationals over the past week while they were attempting to enter the Kurdistan Region illegally through the Haji Omaran border area with Iran before deporting them to their home countries, a security source told Rudaw on Saturday.
The source told Rudaw’s Andam Jabar that the group had first traveled through the United Arab Emirates before being smuggled into Iran, from where traffickers brought them toward the Kurdistan Region’s border.
They were arrested by local security forces (Asayish) as they approached and reached the border, according to the source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Following questioning and investigations, the detainees were repatriated to their home countries, the source added.
Women and children were among the group. According to information obtained by Rudaw, they had intended to remain in the Kurdistan Region and seek work.
The attempted crossings come after the Iraqi government announced in April 2025 that it was temporarily banning the entry of workers from four South Asian countries, as well as Syria, for employment purposes.
The measure was introduced as part of Baghdad’s efforts to expand job opportunities for local workers amid concerns over unemployment and the growing number of foreign laborers in the country.
