Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Interior Minister Rebar Ahmed emphasized that migration is a global responsibility and urged youth to invest in Kurdistan. Speaking at the inaugural Forum of the Migration Compact, he called for international, federal, and domestic cooperation to address migration challenges.
Minister Ahmed stressed that solving migration requires a unified strategy. “Migration is not just a regional issue; it is a global responsibility,” he said. He highlighted the need for coordinated efforts between the KRG and Iraq’s federal government.
He traced Kurdish migration back to historical displacement under successive Iraqi regimes. “Our people were forced to leave their homeland due to oppression,” he explained. After 2003, improved security and economic conditions encouraged a reverse wave of migration, with many professionals and families returning. During the war against ISIS, thousands of youth and Peshmerga returned from abroad to defend Kurdistan.
Ahmed outlined KRG initiatives to reduce illegal migration, including economic empowerment and infrastructural development. Thousands of jobs were created in agriculture, while digitalization projects like “My Account” streamlined government services. The private sector now must allocate 75% of job opportunities to locals, restricting foreign worker intake.
Srwa Rasul, Director General of the Joint Crisis Coordination Centre, highlighted that the KRG’s migration framework is recognized internationally. The framework, ratified by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), ensures safe, orderly migration and protects migrant rights. The KRG also joined the European Commission’s High-Level Platform for Migration Policies.
Ahmed urged international partners to support the KRG’s efforts to stabilize the region and provide services. He called on Baghdad to fulfill constitutional obligations to Kurdistan, linking delayed entitlements to migration pressures.
Finally, he addressed Kurdish youth directly: “Do not risk illegal migration. Develop your skills and contribute to building Kurdistan.” His message reflects the KRG’s vision of a prosperous homeland where opportunities encourage young people to stay.