Welcome to Citizens’ Corner

Citizens’ Corner is a dedicated information space for Indian nationals residing in, working in, studying in, or visiting the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. It brings together useful guidance, important links, emergency contact details, advisories and frequently asked questions to help Indian citizens access timely information and consular assistance from the Consulate General of India, Erbil.

Indian citizens are encouraged to remain connected with the Consulate, keep their passports and residence documents valid, comply with local laws and regulations, and use official platforms for consular services and grievance redressal.

For passport, visa, OCI, birth registration, attestation and other consular services, applicants may visit the Consular Services section of the Consulate’s website. Citizens’ Corner is intended as a broader information and public guidance page.

Consulate General of India, Erbil – Contact Details

Address:

Consulate General of India

1010 Dream City

Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - 44001

General Queries: +964 66 270 3203

Consular Services: +964 751 740 2103

Emergency Contact: +964 751 740 8588

Email: cons.erbil@mea.gov.in

Working Hours: 0900 hrs to 1730 hrs (Sunday to Thursday)

For updated information on holidays, working hours and temporary changes in consular services, Indian nationals are advised to check the Consulate’s website before visiting.

Key Services and Information for Indian Citizens

1. Passport Services

Indian citizens residing in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq may approach the Consulate for passport-related services, including:

• Issue of passport
• Re-issue of passport on expiry or for change of particulars
• Issue of Emergency Certificate
• Issue of Police Clearance Certificate
• Other miscellaneous passport-related services, as applicable

Applicants are advised to check the relevant guidelines and document checklist before submitting an application and ensure that the application form, photographs, supporting documents and prescribed fees are complete.

Detailed information and application procedures are available under the Passport Services section of the Consulate’s website.

2. Emergency Assistance

Indian nationals in distress may contact the Consulate through the emergency contact number:

Emergency Contact: +964 751 740 8588

Emergency assistance may be sought in situations such as:

• Loss or theft of passport
• Arrest or detention
• Serious illness, hospitalisation or accident
• Death of an Indian national
• Domestic violence or severe distress
• Repatriation-related emergencies
• Any other urgent situation involving an Indian national

The emergency number is intended for genuine emergencies. Routine passport, visa, OCI, attestation and general enquiries should be addressed through the appropriate consular channels during working hours.

3. Registration with the MADAD Portal

Indian citizens residing in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, particularly students, workers and long-term residents are encouraged to register on the MADAD Portal of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

MADAD is the Government of India’s online consular grievance redressal system. It enables Indian nationals to register and track consular grievances and facilitates their timely handling by Indian Missions and Posts abroad.

The upgraded MADAD 2.0 platform was rolled out on 15 December 2025 and provides improved grievance processing, tracking and real-time updates.

Registration and use of the MADAD platform can be particularly useful in situations involving:

• Consular grievances
• Emergency assistance
• Student welfare
• Crisis management
• Assistance to Indian nationals abroad
• Tracking of consular complaints

4. Indian Students in the Kurdistan Region

Indian students, if any, studying in the Kurdistan Region are advised to:

• Register with the MADAD Student Registration facility.
• Keep their passport, residence permit and university documents valid.
• Maintain copies of their admission letter, residence permit/card, insurance policy and emergency contacts.
• Comply with local laws, university regulations and immigration requirements.
• Keep the Consulate informed in case of serious difficulty, distress or emergency.
• Verify the credentials of educational institutions and agents before making payments or entering into any agreement.

Students are advised to exercise caution and avoid relying on unverified agents or unofficial channels for admission, employment or immigration-related promises.

5. Indian Workers and Professionals

Indian nationals working in the Kurdistan Region are advised to:

• Verify employment contracts before accepting overseas employment.
• Keep copies of their employment contract, work permit, residence permit and insurance documents.
• Ensure that salary, working hours, accommodation and other terms of employment are clearly recorded.
• Keep details of their employer and emergency contacts readily accessible.
• Avoid handing over passports or original documents to unauthorised persons.
• Approach the relevant local authorities or the Consulate in cases of exploitation, non-payment of salary, illegal confinement or serious distress.

Indian nationals seeking employment abroad are also advised to verify the credentials of recruiting agents and prospective employers and to carefully examine employment terms before travelling or accepting employment.

6. Loss or Theft of Passport

In case of loss or theft of a passport, Indian nationals should:

1. Immediately report the loss or theft to the local police and obtain a copy of the police report.
2. Inform the Consulate General of India, Erbil.
3. Submit an application for re-issue of passport or an Emergency Certificate, as applicable.
4. Provide identity proof, a copy of the lost passport, residence permit details and other required supporting documents.
5. Cooperate with the prescribed verification requirements.

Indian citizens are advised to maintain secure digital copies of their passport, residence permit, visa, insurance and other important identity documents.

7. Arrest, Detention or Legal Issues

If an Indian national is arrested or detained in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, they may request the local authorities to inform the Consulate General of India, Erbil.

Subject to applicable local laws and regulations, the Consulate may:

• Seek consular access.
• Monitor the welfare of the detained Indian national.
• Facilitate communication with family members, where authorised.
• Provide information regarding local legal assistance, where available.
• Facilitate communication with relevant local authorities.

The Consulate cannot interfere in judicial proceedings, provide legal representation, secure the release of a detained person or influence the outcome of legal proceedings.

8. Death of an Indian National

In the unfortunate event of the death of an Indian national in the Kurdistan Region, family members or other concerned persons may contact the Consulate for guidance and consular assistance.

Subject to applicable rules and regulations, the Consulate may assist with:

• Liaison with local authorities.
• Documentation required for transportation of mortal remains.
• Documentation related to local cremation or burial.
• Issuance of a No Objection Certificate, where applicable.
• Coordination and communication with family members in India.

The family or authorised representative should keep readily available the passport of the deceased, death certificate, relevant medical documents, police report where applicable, and contact details of the next of kin.

9. Travel Information for Indian Citizens

Indian citizens travelling to or within the Kurdistan Region are advised to:

• Carry a valid passport and appropriate visa/residence documentation.
• Keep copies of their passport and other important travel documents.
• Obtain adequate travel and medical insurance.
• Comply with local laws and regulations.
• Ensure that their visa and residence permit remain valid.
• Keep emergency contact details readily accessible.
• Avoid unauthorised employment.
• Follow security-related advisories issued by the Consulate and local authorities.
• Obtain immigration, travel and other official information only from reliable and official sources.

Indian nationals are advised to regularly monitor the Consulate’s website for the latest security and travel advisories. The Consulate currently maintains a dedicated Advisories section, including advisories concerning security, e-Visas, fraudulent calls and Iraq-bound emigrants.

10. Assistance for Women in Distress

Indian women facing domestic violence, abuse, exploitation, abandonment or severe distress may contact the Consulate for guidance and consular assistance.

In emergencies involving immediate danger, local emergency services should be contacted first.

Subject to applicable laws and regulations, the Consulate may provide consular guidance, facilitate communication with family members, liaise with local authorities and assist with documentation-related matters.

11. Senior Citizens and Vulnerable Persons

Indian senior citizens and other vulnerable persons residing in or visiting the Kurdistan Region are advised to keep the following information readily accessible:

• Copy of passport
• Copy of residence permit
• Health insurance details
• Local doctor/hospital contact details
• Emergency contact in the Kurdistan Region
• Emergency contact in India
• Relevant medical information and details of prescribed medicines

Family members are advised to keep the Consulate informed in case of an emergency involving an elderly or vulnerable Indian national.

12. Indian Community and Community Organisations

The Indian community in the Kurdistan Region plays an important role in strengthening people-to-people relations and supporting social, cultural and welfare activities.

Indian nationals are encouraged to remain connected with recognised community organisations and to follow official updates issued by the Consulate.

Community organisations may share information with the Consulate regarding welfare concerns, distress cases, cultural activities and community outreach initiatives.

The Consulate also regularly engages with members of the Indian community in different parts of the Kurdistan Region through outreach activities and consular camps.

13. Consular Camps and Outreach

The Consulate General of India, Erbil organises consular camps and community outreach programmes in different locations in the Kurdistan Region, where required.

Indian nationals are advised to regularly check the Consulate’s website and official social media platforms for announcements regarding:

• Consular camps / Open Houses
• Passport and other consular services
• Community outreach programmes
• Awareness programmes
• Cultural and community events

Applicants attending consular camps should carefully follow the instructions and document requirements specified in the relevant notice.

14. OCI Card Services

Persons of Indian Origin who are eligible for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card may refer to the OCI section of the Consulate’s website for eligibility requirements, application procedures, supporting documents and other relevant information.

Applicants are advised to use only official Government of India platforms and information when applying for or updating an OCI Card.

15. Registration of Birth

Parents of Indian nationals who have a child born in the Kurdistan Region are advised to contact the Consulate regarding registration of birth and related consular formalities.

Applicants should consult the relevant guidelines and document checklist before submitting an application.

16. QR Code enabled Birth / Death certificates through E-SEWA Portal

In line with QR-coded Birth/Death certificates currently being issued by Municipal authorities in India, CGI, Erbil has started the issuance of QR Code enabled Birth/Death certificates through e-Sewa Portal. The QR code when scanned leads to the e-Sewa Registry enabling confirmation of the particulars of the certificate and thereby its authenticity.

In order to obtain QR Code enabled birth/death certificate, applicants are required to apply through SEWA - Indian Consular Services System, which can be accessed through the following link:-

https://indianconsularservices.mea.gov.in/consularServices/ 

The following steps need to be followed:-

Step 1: New User (Registration) or Existing User (Login)

Step 2: Apply for services and upload documents

Step 3: Visit CGI, Erbil between 0930 to 1200 hrs (Sunday to Thursday) for submission of requisite documents & fees (where applicable). Please carry the Originals and photocopies of documents uploaded.

NOTE:  Those applying for Registration of Birth of child under section 4(1) of Indian Citizenship Act 1955, must register on http://www.indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in/Login  before applying on e-SEWA portal.

17. Miscellaneous Consular Services

The Consulate provides various miscellaneous consular services, including, as applicable:

• Attestation of documents
• Police Clearance Certificates for specified purposes
• Attestation of educational certificates of Indian students residing in Iraq
• Issue of civil certificates and related consular documents

The Consulate’s website provides further information regarding the applicable procedures, documents, fees and processing requirements.

18. Overseas Voters

Indian citizens residing abroad who are eligible to enrol as overseas/NRI electors may refer to the Overseas Voters section of the Consulate’s website for information regarding electoral registration and related procedures.

Indian citizens are advised to consult the official Election Commission of India resources for the latest information on eligibility and registration.

19. Advisories and Public Notices

Indian nationals are advised to regularly check the Consulate’s website and its official social media platforms for:

• Security advisories
• Travel advisories
• Public notices
• Holiday announcements
• Passport and consular updates
• Visa and OCI advisories
• Advisory notices for Indian nationals
• Consular camp announcements
• Community events
• Important announcements of the Government of India

The Consulate maintains dedicated News and Advisory sections on its website for such updates.

Important Reminder

Indian nationals residing in or visiting the Kurdistan Region are advised to remain vigilant, comply with local laws and regulations, maintain valid travel and residence documents and regularly monitor official communications issued by the Consulate General of India, Erbil.

In case of a genuine emergency, Indian nationals may contact:

Emergency Contact: +964 751 740 8588

For routine consular matters:

Consular Services: +964 751 740 2103

For the latest information, Indian nationals should rely on the official website and verified social media platforms of the Consulate General of India, Erbil.

12. Indian Community and Community Organisations12. Indian Community and Community Organisations