After completing seven or eight years, a path to permanent residency and citizenship will be available.
Federal Minister of Interior, Mohsin Naqvi, and Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, Salik Hussain, at a special high-level meeting on the Spanish residency card system. PHOTO: Republican Party
Eligible overseas Pakistanis will initially receive one-year residency cards in Spain, following a high-level meeting on the Spanish residency card system for overseas Pakistanis, according to an official statement released on Sunday.
Federal Minister for Home Affairs Mohsin Naqvi and Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Salik Hussain presided over the session. Officials from the Ministry of the Interior reaffirmed their commitment to providing legal protection and facilities to Pakistanis residing abroad, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured full support for the Spanish resident card process.
Pakistan’s ambassador to Spain, Dr. Zahoor Ahmed, gave a detailed briefing on the plan. He clarified that the policy is not intended for people seeking political asylum. The report also emphasized that applicants must submit a character certificate and other required documents, the statement added.
According to officials, eligible people will initially receive a resident card valid for one year. After completing seven or eight years, a path to permanent residency and citizenship will be available. The document verification process will be expedited to ensure that applicants do not face any difficulties.
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It was decided that multiple certificates will not be accepted; The National Police Directorate will issue a single national certificate. The verification process will be simplified and expedited to make it easier for applicants, Federal Minister Mohsin Naqvi said, adding that applicants will be given full support at every stage.
Salik Hussain described the move as “welcoming” and noted that thousands of Pakistanis will gain legal status.
The Pakistani ambassador to Spain, the consul general in Barcelona and the Community Welfare Attaché attended the meeting via Zoom. Other participants included Minister of State for Home Talal Chaudhry, Home Secretary, Overseas Pakistan Secretary, Joint Home Secretary, NADRA Chairman, FIA Director General, Passport Director General and other senior officials.
