The Interior Ministry has informed the Cabinet that Indian and Afghan nationals are not included in visa-free entry regime, which is being initiated for businessmen of friendly countries, well-informed sources told Business Recorder.
During the Cabinet briefing on July 24, 2024, the Interior Ministry presented various visa reform proposals as part of the Prime Minister’s vision to liberalize the visa regime for businesspersons and tourists from other countries.
The proposed changes include visa-free entry for businesspersons, investors, and tourists from select countries, as well as the introduction of an Electronic Travel Authorisation Form to expedite the visa application process.
Stakeholders emphasized the need to make the visa regime friendlier and less cumbersome to promote tourism, strengthen global integration, and further economic development and cultural exchanges.
Pl subscribe to the YouTube channel of republicpolicy.com
Additionally, the ministry proposed measures to enhance religious tourism, abolish visa fees, and improve immigration procedures at airports and entry points.
The Cabinet discussion also addressed concerns about extending similar visa processing ease to nationals from India and Afghanistan. While these two countries were not included for security reasons, the ministry assured the facilitation of religious tourism, particularly for Sikhs and Buddhists.
The Cabinet emphasized the importance of monitoring the implementation of the new visa policy and directed the Ministry of Interior to submit regular compliance reports. It also urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to work with counterpart countries to reciprocate the visa facilitation regime for Pakistani citizens and to address any restrictive conditions on travel to Pakistan by their nationals.
