The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) has been inaugurated in Halabja Governorate to adapt to rapid global shifts in migration and asylum policies, provide essential services and facilitation for returnees, and support their swift reintegration into society.

On Sunday, September 20, 2026, with the attendance of the Governor of Halabja, relevant authorities, and the head of Migration and Development Centers at GIZ Iraq, the Vision Education / Vision Foundation for Strategic Studies took part in opening the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) office under the Directorate of Migration, Displaced Persons, and Crisis Response in Halabja Governorate.

The "National Referral Mechanism" is recognized as an advanced global framework. It was introduced to the Kurdistan Region in 2023 by the Kurdistan Regional Government's Ministry of Interior, in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and with European Union support. Its purpose is to adapt to fast-moving international decisions on migration and asylum, streamline services for returnees, and accelerate their socio-economic reintegration.

Following the initial launch, the Ministry of Interior implemented the system across the governorates of Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Duhok. Subsequently, supported by the German Government and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), the system was opened in Halabja Governorate, with plans to expand it across all remaining governorates and autonomous administrations.