ISLAMABAD: On Sunday, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif stated that the government introduced significant visa reforms for the purpose of promoting foreign investors, business community and tourists.
The Country’s New Visa Policy Expected to Improve Tourism and Trade in Pakistan ISLAMABAD: According to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, major visa reforms have been announced for foreign investors’ attraction, businessmen, and tourists. The aim is to promote tourism, increase foreign investments and enhance trade activities within the country.
Key Highlights of the New Visa Policy:
1. For GCC Businessmen, Visa-Free Entry: Now businessmen from GCC countries can come without a visa thus it opens up for more investments and interactions with those areas.
2. Quick Visa Issuance: An online system will allow visas to be issued for businessmen, investors and tourists from 126 countries within 24 hours. In addition to this, these individuals will also enjoy exemption from visa fees.
3. Special Arrangements for Sikh Pilgrims: Those who are not citizens of Pakistan but happen to bear Sikh Pigrim passport may have their visas upon arrival.
4.Electronic Gates at Major Airports: To ease the passenger flow at Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad airports electronic gates shall be installed.
5.Monitoring Dashboard: There shall be a dashboard created by Ministry of Interior in order to oversee implementation of new visa regime including visa-free entry systemstanding on its own as well as business visa list among others like tourist Visa on Arrival option.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the Ministry of Interior and other relevant ministries and institutions for their part in launching the new visa policy. He observed that such reforms will improve Pakistan’s appeal as a travel and business destination to outsiders.
The Cabinet of Federal Ministers has also authorized:
• The release of electronic visas for the nationals of 126 countries, that will allow them to enter without visa for business or tourism purposes.
• Creating specific courts as guided by SECP Act 1997.
• An agreement was signed by Pakistan and Denmark in this regard.
• The number of members in the Privatization Commission Board has increased. In its drive to promote investment and tourism including religious tourism, the Prime Minister emphasized on making it easier for people to do business here.
