PM Announces Journalistic Work Facilitation and Support Package on Iraqi Press Day

Baghdad-INA

Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani issued on Saturday, a set of mandatory measures and guidelines to support Iraqi journalists and media organizations in celebration of the 154th National Day of the Iraqi Press.

“The prime minister has instructed all ministries, governorates, and government agencies to support press and media professionals with official licenses from the Communications and Media Commission, ensuring the removal of obstacles and providing the essential support, as mandated by the law”, stated the Media Office of the Prime Minister in a statement, received by the Iraqi News Agency-INA.


“The Prime Minister also has instructed the relevant authorities to offer subsidized Internet services to media institutions and to review the financial transfers for media entities, including satellite channels and media offices. These actions aim to support the media profession in Iraq, in accordance with the Central Bank of Iraq law and regulations governing international money transfer”, the statement added.

In order to streamline the movement of licensed international press and media personnel, The PM has instructed all checkpoints across governorates to ensure compliance. This includes facilitating the issuance of entry visas for journalists working in media offices and channels operating in Iraq, facilitating transportation of their professional equipment as well as simplifying their residency procedures in Iraq, in accordance with the Foreigners' Residence Law No. (76) of 2017.

The statement continued, "In line of his ongoing support, the Prime Minister has instructed measures to streamline social security paperwork for press personnel across media institutions.”
 Additionally, he has called for a review of water and electricity fees levied on media channels and offices, along with electricity generator fuel charges.