Pakistan OKs new visa regime for Afghans

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): Pakistan’s federal cabinet has approved a new visa regime for Afghan citizens including traders and patients.

The visa policy for Afghans was discussed on Tuesday at a meeting, which was attended by representatives from the Foreign Office, NADRA and Board of Investment.

Minister of Information Maryum Aurangzeb said Pakistan missions abroad would process visa applications of Afghans on the basis of existing passport and nationality.

Under the reviewed policy, Pakistan missions abroad will process visa applications of Afghans on the basis of their existing passports and nationality instead of their country of origin.

She told a news conference in Islamabad cabinet approved the inclusion of a sub-category in the work visa category for drivers, transporters and helpers to promote trade with Afghanistan.

A multi-entry visa for six months would be issued within 48 hours, while the Interior Ministry was authorised to extend the period to one year.

Documents required for obtaining a visa on arrival will include the applicant’s picture, passport, transport company registration and employment letter. The entry visa page will need to be submitted for a visa extension.

The minister said the Afghans seeking visas in driver, transporter and helper categories were exempted from obtaining the BOI’s letter of recommendation and registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).

The initiative is aimed at ensuring the ease of doing business which would eventually boost the trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

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