–FO spokesman says Afghan nationals are issued visas free of cost
ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal on Wednesday said that Pakistan’s visa policy for Afghanistan remains unchanged and the visas continue to be issued free of cost.
The spokesperson took to Twitter and said, “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.”
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
There are around 1.39 million registered Afghan refugees in Pakistan, according to statistics from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
A week ago, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Director Immigration Asmatullah Junejo had told reporters that the federal government has restricted the movement of Afghan citizens in Pakistan and excluded them from the list of nationals who are offered visa on arrival.
He said that these measures have been taken due to security concerns.
“All Afghan nationals who want to visit Pakistan will have to obtain a visa from Pakistani consulates in their country,” he said, adding that Afghan nationals will have to register themselves with the law enforcement agencies in the country.
The Afghan nationals will be given entry through “Form C” at airports, Junejo said. “Details of the visiting Afghan nationals will also be provided to the relevant district police officers and police stations,” he added.
According to the new rules, a stay permit will be issued to visiting Afghan nationals following their registration and subsequently a travel permit will be issued after they submit their stay permit.
Currently, Pakistan offers visa on arrival facility to citizens of 24 countries, including China, Malaysia, and the United States.