Iraqi Bar Association to launch electronic membership system on Wednesday

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Iraqi Bar Association announced it will activate a new electronic membership application system on Wednesday. The system is designed to move the application process online and remove the need for in-person submissions during initial stages, the association said. Applicants will be able to create electronic accounts, upload required documents, track review stages, pay fees and schedule interview dates through the platform, according to the statement. The validity of applicants' degrees will be verified in direct coordination with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, a measure the association said will reduce fraud and speed up processing. The system will also send updates and notifications by SMS, the association added. Once review, approval and payment stages are completed, interview dates will be set, and remaining in-person steps — including the swearing-in ceremony and the issuance of the bar association identity card — will follow. The association said the platform aims to automate its services and improve transparency in the membership process.