Iraq reinstates Civil Status, Passports and Residency Directorate under Interior Ministry

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Interior Ministry has decided to reattach the Directorate of Civil Status, Passports and Residency to the ministry's financial and administrative structure, according to a written directive issued by the ministry. The directorate had previously been separated from the ministry's office before the latest decision, which was approved by the Prime Minister, the directive said. Under the new arrangement, the directorate's financial transactions will be handled directly through the ministry's financial administration, ministry officials said. Ministry officials said the restructuring is intended to speed up administrative procedures and strengthen oversight. With the decision taking effect, the directorate's personnel and budget processes will be centralized, according to the ministry. No further details on the implementation timeline were immediately available.