Pakistan Fast-Tracks Passports for Spain-Based Citizens Seeking Residency

Islamabad: The federal government has announced major relief measures for Pakistanis residing in Spain, deciding to expedite the issuance of passports and travel documents within one week to support their legal residency process.

The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Overseas Pakistanis Minister Salik Hussain.

Officials agreed that all necessary documents, including passports, would be issued within a week ahead of the registration process aimed at granting legal status to undocumented migrants in Spain. The move is expected to benefit around 15,000 Pakistanis.

The interior minister directed that additional staff be deployed immediately to the passport section at the Pakistani embassy in Spain to ensure swift processing. However, authorities clarified that passports will not be issued to individuals involved in criminal activities or wanted in cases.

The National Police Bureau has also streamlined the verification process for character certificates to minimize delays for applicants.

During the meeting, senior officials, including representatives from the Federal Investigation Agency and National Database and Registration Authority, participated in discussions to ensure coordinated efforts.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Spain Dr Zahoor Ahmed and Consul General in Barcelona Muhammad Ali Wazir briefed the meeting via video link, stating that authority letters have already been issued to around 10,000 individuals and that the pace of passport issuance and verification has significantly improved.