Hemn Merany, Director General of the Diwan at the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Ministry of Interior, outlined preparations for the upcoming national population census during a press conference on Sunday. The census, described as a critical and non-political national endeavor, is expected to have a lasting impact on the future of the Kurdistan Region.

Census Dates and Participation Guidelines

Residents are required to remain at home on November 17, 18, and 19 to complete the census forms. Merany assured that essential services, including airports, businesses, and bakeries, will continue operating during this period. Limited movement restrictions will be enforced in specific areas, although these do not apply to foreigners or non-Kurdish residents.

Article 140 Areas and Citizen Responsibilities

Merany called on residents from areas under Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution to return to their places of origin for registration. For those unable to do so, he advised clearly indicating their connections to these areas. He warned that failure to cooperate with census workers or withholding information could result in exclusion from Iraq's official database.

“It is vital that citizens assist census workers. Non-cooperation could result in exclusion from recognition as Iraqi citizens,” Merany cautioned.

Three-Phase Census Process

The census will be conducted in three stages:

November 17-19: Census workers will visit homes to collect data.
November 20-21: Follow-up visits will ensure all residents are counted.
General Census Days: Nationwide data finalization, including in the Kurdistan Region.

Family heads can register absent household members by leaving official documents at home for census workers.

Collaboration with Baghdad

Merany highlighted agreements reached with Baghdad following extensive discussions with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and the Ministry of Planning. Kurdish demands were integrated into the process, particularly regarding Kurdish areas outside KRG control. For these regions, demographic details will rely on data from the 1957 census.

The nationwide population census, set for November 20 and 21, represents a major milestone for governance and planning efforts in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Residents are urged to fully participate to ensure accurate and comprehensive results.