BBC: Iraqis facing passport shortage

Last Updated: Wednesday, 10 January 2007, 01:18 GMT

Iraqis facing passport shortage

A crisis over passports means many Iraqis may now be blocked from entering Britain
or the United States.

The country is experiencing a shortage of passports after Britain and the US withdrew
recognition from many Iraqi travel documents over security fears.

The government is issuing replacements but they are only available in Baghdad, and
in limited numbers.

The move is affecting thousands of Iraqis living abroad. Many will not be able to travel
to Britain or the US.

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One Iraqi businessman said he had been called a few days ago by the US embassy in
Amman and told that visas issued for a delegation of Iraqi businessmen planning to travel
to the US were no longer valid.

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