Blood Test Must Now Be Completed In Country Of Residence

At a Glance

All foreign nationals seeking employment in Federal Iraq must now undergo a mandatory blood test in their country of residence prior to travel. Previously, some foreign nationals could complete their blood tests in Iraq. Foreign nationals subject to this requirement who fail to provide their blood test results upon arrival will be denied entry. The new rule is expected to reduce overall processing times for work and residence permits in jurisdictions where post-arrival requirements take a significant amount of time to complete but may on the other hand delay foreign nationals' arrival dates in Iraq. The situation

All foreign nationals seeking employment in Federal Iraq must now undergo a mandatory blood test and must also have their blood test authenticated at an Iraqi consulate prior to travel. Foreign nationals subject to this policy who fail to provide their blood test results upon arrival will be denied entry.

A closer look

Previous requirement. Previously, foreign nationals who obtained a multiple-entry visa upon arrival based on an approved visa invitation letter could complete their blood test in Iraq. Even such foreign nationals must now complete their blood test prior to arrival. Details of blood test requirement. The blood test requirement remains unchanged; foreign nationals must prove that they are clear of contagious diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis B and C. Nationals from select countries must also be tested for malaria, including those from many African countries. Exemptions. The new regulation does not affect foreign nationals who renew their multiple-entry visa in Iraq, as their blood test will be completed in Iraq, or those traveling for employment to Iraqi Kurdistan. Impact

The new rule is expected to reduce the overall processing time in jurisdictions where post-arrival requirements, including a blood test, take a significant time to complete (for example, in oil fields and in military bases where increased security measures have a major...