Jordan's King Abdullah II has ordered the government to take immediate steps to facilitate the entry and residency of Iraqis into the kingdom, local daily The Jordan Times reported on Thursday.
The king made the remarks during a meeting dedicated to discuss steps needed to remove obstacles facing Iraqis who come to or reside in Jordan on Wednesday.
Abdullah said he was keen to take all needed steps to ease the movement of the Iraqis, who are welcomed guests and enjoy care and respect upon arrival in the kingdom.
Prime Minister Nadir Dahabi said the government will evaluate the current procedures regarding entry of Iraqis and amend them to remove all obstacles hindering their movement and entry into the kingdom.
According to the UN Refugee Agency, since the beginning of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, about half-a-million Iraqis have fled to Jordan.
The government has ensured them access to education and health services among other facilities.