After completing seven to eight years, a path to permanent residency and citizenship will be available
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Salik Hussain at a special high-level meeting on the Spanish Resident Card Scheme PHOTO: GOP
Eligible overseas Pakistanis will initially be issued one-year residence cards in Spain, following a high-level meeting on the Spanish resident card scheme for overseas Pakistanis, according to an official statement released on Sunday.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Salik Hussain presided over the session. Officials from the Ministry of Interior reaffirmed their commitment to provide legal protection and facilities to Pakistanis living 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 scheme. He clarified that the policy is not intended for persons seeking political asylum. The briefing also emphasized that applicants must submit a character certificate and other necessary documents, the statement added.
According to officials, eligible persons will initially be issued a resident card valid for one year. After completing seven to 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 difficulties.
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It was decided that multi-character certificates will not be accepted; a single National Character Certificate will be issued by the National Police Office. 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 step.
Salik Hussain described the move as “welcoming”, noting that thousands of Pakistanis will gain legal status.
The meeting was attended via Zoom by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Spain, the Consul General in Barcelona and the Community Welfare Attaché. Other attendees included Home Minister Talal Chaudhry, the Home Secretary, Secretary Overseas Pakistanis, Additional Home Secretary, Chairman NADRA, Director General FIA, Director General Passports and other senior officials.
