ISLAMABAD: The Saudi Arabian Embassy in Islamabad has introduced same-day processing of visa applications for Pakistani citizens, according to an announcement made by Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Pakistan.
Ambassador Dr Rajeh bin Tami Al-Baqami disclosed the development during a meeting with Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik in Islamabad, the Ministry of Energy’s Petroleum Division said in a statement issued on 30 October.
The facility is intended to make travel arrangements more convenient and strengthen business, cultural and people-to-people exchanges between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The announcement marks a change in the embassy’s stated approach to handling visa applications, although detailed operating procedures have not yet been provided in the official statement.
Visa categories and approval conditions not specified
The Petroleum Division’s announcement confirms the introduction of same-day processing but does not identify which visa categories are covered.
It also does not specify whether the facility applies to all applicants, what documentation is required or whether additional conditions must be met.
Importantly, same-day processing does not necessarily mean that every application will be approved or that a visa will be issued on the day it is submitted.
Applicants may still be subject to the relevant eligibility requirements, document checks and approval procedures.
Announcement follows wider bilateral discussions
The visa announcement came during a meeting focused primarily on expanding cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in the energy and minerals sectors.
Officials discussed opportunities involving strategic oil storage, refinery upgrades, liquefied petroleum gas supplies and commercial investment.
Malik briefed the ambassador on Pakistan’s newly approved tax-neutral bonded oil storage policy, which is intended to create opportunities for international companies to establish commercial petroleum reserves in the country.
He also outlined plans for a petroleum storage and refining complex at Hub in Balochistan and discussed potential Saudi participation in refinery modernisation.
The two sides reaffirmed their intention to strengthen bilateral economic ties.
The same-day visa processing announcement is a separate development from those investment discussions and may be particularly relevant to Pakistanis travelling for business and other permitted purposes.
However, the embassy has not yet provided a detailed public breakdown of the facility’s scope or application procedure in the government statement.
Source: Petroleum Division.