Islamabad – A recent report submitted to the Pakistani government has revealed a significant influx of Afghan nationals into the country since January 2022. According to the report, over 700,000 Afghans were granted visas by the Pakistani embassy in Kabul, primarily for medical tourism, business visits, and family reunification.
The report highlights that a vast majority of these individuals, after obtaining entry visas, have settled in various cities across Pakistan. However, a concerning discrepancy has emerged regarding visa renewals. While the visas issued have expiration dates, only an estimated 50,000 Afghan nationals have sought extensions. The remaining individuals, numbering over 650,000, have either left the country or remain in Pakistan without valid visas, potentially facing deportation and fines.
Government sources indicate a continuous surge in the number of Afghans seeking entry into Pakistan, with over 50,000 visa applications currently pending at the Kabul embassy. The embassy has implemented procedures to process these applications, but the sheer volume poses a considerable challenge.
Adding to the complexity of the situation is a recent policy change by the Pakistani Ministry of Interior. The ministry has reduced the visa extension period from six months to just one month, creating difficulties for Afghan nationals who entered the country legally.
This policy shift has drawn criticism from Afghan residents in Pakistan. They argue that the reduced extension period not only increases their financial burden, with a $20 fee per extension, but also creates legal complications. The inconsistency between the six-month entry visa issued by the embassy and the one-month extension granted by the Ministry of Interior has further exacerbated their concerns.
Afghan residents are urging the Pakistani government to address these visa issues promptly, emphasizing the need for legal protection and stability for those who have entered the country through proper channels. They seek a more streamlined and consistent visa policy that aligns with the realities on the ground.
