Pakistan's Afghan visa policy remains unchanged: FO

ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office on Wednesday said Pakistan’s policy with regard to issuance of a visa to Afghan nationals remains unchanged.

“Pakistan’s Afghan visa policy remains unchanged. Pak Missions in Afghanistan issue around 3,800 visas a day to Afghans, more than any other country. Visas are issued free of cost,” Foreign Office spokesperson DR Muhammad Faisal said in a tweet.

Pakistan’s Afghan visa policy remains unchanged. Pak Missions in Afghanistan issue around 3800 visas a day to Afghans, more than any other country. Visas are issued free of cost.#Afghanistan@mfa_afghanistan

— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@ForeignOfficePk) January 9, 2019

His tweet comes on the heels of media reports that Pakistan has introduced a new visa policy for Afghan nationals, abolishing the on-arrival visa facility for them owing to security concerns.

A report quoted Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Director Immigration Ismatullah Junejo as saying that the Afghan nationals used to be issued a 30-day visa at entry points in Pakistan. But now, they will have to apply for a visa at Pakistani diplomatic missions in Afghanistan.

Once issued a visa, the Afghan nationals would be required to provide details, including the time and place of their stay, in ‘Form C’ which they would fill upon entry into Pakistan.

The Form would then be forwarded to security agencies for verification. After the details are verified, the Afghan visa-holders would be issued residence and travel permits.