Erbil hosts conference on curbing irregular migration

ERBIL, Iraq — A conference on reducing irregular migration through community engagement opened Monday in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region. Government officials and diplomats gathered to discuss cooperation against illegal migration routes, with a focus on countries including the United Kingdom and France. Organizers said the meeting aims to examine the factors driving young people toward irregular migration, develop workable strategies and expand public awareness efforts. They added that the project seeks to reduce the risks faced by irregular migrants, protect young people and improve employment and living conditions in the Kurdistan Region. Participants stressed that addressing irregular migration requires continuous coordination and the creation of a more stable environment for young people. Attendees included Kurdistan Region Interior Minister Reber Ahmed, Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw, and the head of the Kurdistan Regional Government's Department of Foreign Relations, Safeen Dizayee, along with numerous diplomats and officials.