Govt lifts ban on travel to Iraq

India on Tuesday lifted the ban on grant of emigration clearance for Indians wishing to travel to Iraq, but added a cautionary advisory that they take care of their personal security while working or visiting the oil-rich Gulf country.

India on Tuesday lifted the ban on grant of emigration clearance for Indians wishing to travel to Iraq, but added a cautionary advisory that they take care of their personal security while working or visiting the oil-rich Gulf country.

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"The government of India has decided, in order to facilitate travel by Indian nationals to Iraq on work and/or for visits, not to extend the ban on the grant of emigration clearance, which had been issued under Section 31(1) of the Emigration Act, 1983," the advisory said.

"At the same time, Indian nationals are advised to exercise due care and caution about their personal safety and security when working in or visiting Iraq," it added.

India had warned its citizens not to travel to the conflict-ridden Gulf country months after the US invasion of Iraq in 2003.

According to one estimate, there are more than 80,000 Indians living in Iraq despite the earlier government advisory against travelling to the country.