Zaher Khan
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has abolished the long-standing facility of on-arrival visas for Afghan nationals, As the new policy comes into effect, they will be required to apply for a visa from Pakistani missions in Afghanistan.
According to the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) immigration wing, the key decision was taken after increased security risks emanating from the western border.
The government has stopped the issuance of visas to Afghan nationals at airports and border crossings.
Now, as the new policy comes into effect, they will be required to apply for a visa from Pakistani missions in Afghanistan.
Only once they are granted a visa would they be able to enter Pakistan. When they enter Pakistan they will be asked to inform them about their time period here and their place of stay. The details that will be taken in Form C will then be sent to the relevant security agencies for further verification. Travel permits and residence will be issued to Afghan nationals after the verification process is completed.
Before the new policy, Afghan nationals were being granted a 30-day visa on arrival at entry points.
Pakistan is offering arrival visas to nationals of 24 countries.
