Multiple Countries Stop Issuing Student Visas to Pakistanis

In a significant development for Pakistani students aiming to study abroad, the Director General (DG) of Passports has confirmed that several countries, including the UAE, Italy, the UK, and some European nations, have stopped issuing student visas to Pakistani applicants.

The revelation came during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis, chaired by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada.

The DG Passport informed the committee that certain embassies have been providing lists of Pakistani individuals involved in illegal activities.

Many Pakistanis travel abroad on pilgrimage or visit visas but do not return, leading to their names being added to the Exit Control List (ECL).

Last year, 34,000 Pakistanis were deported from Iran, while others were handed over directly to Pakistani authorities without imprisonment due to violations under the Passport Act.

On a more positive note, the Secretary for Overseas Pakistanis acknowledged that eight skilled female welders have recently gone to South Korea for employment. This success was credited to MD Naseer Kashani, whose efforts were praised by the committee chair.