NAJAF, Iraq — Millions of Shiite Muslims from across the world annually gather in Karbala on Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram on the Islamic calendar, to commemorate the killing of Imam Hussein. But this year, due to pandemic restrictions similar to 2020, only a small number of pilgrims have been able to enter Iraq to attend the ceremonies in the holy cities of Karbala and Najaf.

Ashura will continue for two months. Some countries — and many Iraqi business owners — are urging the Iraqi government to open its borders to all pilgrims.

In response to Pakistan's request to facilitate visas to its Shiite citizens to enter Iraq and increase the number of visas available to them for the pilgrimage, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein during his visit to Islamabad on Aug. 11 said Iraq would soon announce a new visa policy for Shiite pilgrims addressing Pakistan's request.

Last February, the Iraqi government launched a program waiving visa entries for 36 Western countries to further attract tourism and investment. Iran has since pressed the Iraqi government to also include it in the waiver program in order to allow easier passage of its citizens to the holy sites. While in office, former Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi had waived visa fees for Iranian visitors to Iraq.