Geneva - Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al-Zaidi, notorious for throwing his shoes at former US president George W Bush, has received a visa to visit Switzerland, his lawyer told local radio Friday.

Mauro Poggio said his client had withdrawn his request for Swiss asylum, and was visiting as part of fund-raising efforts to start a charity for civilians affected by the conflict in his homeland.

Al-Zaidi was granted the visa from Bern's embassy in Beirut, where the journalist his relocated to since his release from prison in Iraq last month.

Poggio, a Geneva-based lawyer, said this was owing to concerns for his safety.

The reporter for the Al-Baghdadia channel has been hailed as a hero in many parts of the Arab world for throwing both his shoes at Bush during a press conference in Baghdad last December and calling the former president a "dog."

Al-Zaidi was expected to arrive in the Alpine land in the next few days with a visa valid for 30 days. (dpa)