ISLAMABAD: The federal government has reaffirmed its strong commitment to safeguarding the rights and interests of overseas Pakistanis by streamlining processes for obtaining the Spanish Residency Card, a move expected to benefit thousands living in Spain.
In a high-level special meeting held on Sunday, key decisions were taken to expedite document verification and provide full facilitation to eligible applicants. The session was co-chaired by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Salik Hussain.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Spain, Dr Zahoor Ahmed, delivered a comprehensive briefing during the meeting, outlining the details of Spain’s residency policy. He emphasized that the scheme targets regular migrants and is explicitly not designed for those pursuing political asylum or refugee status.
The Ministry of Interior highlighted that providing legal protection and essential facilities to overseas Pakistanis remains a top priority. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs pledged complete backing for the application and implementation of the Spanish Residency Card process.
Under the clarified guidelines, eligible individuals must submit mandatory documents, including character certificates and other required paperwork. To ensure uniformity and reliability, separate provincial or local character certificates will no longer be accepted.
Instead, a single national character certificate issued by the National Police Bureau will serve as the standard requirement. This centralised approach aims to reduce inconsistencies and speed up approvals.
Eligible applicants will initially receive a residency card valid for one year. Successful completion of seven to eight years under this arrangement opens the pathway to permanent residency and, eventually, Spanish citizenship.
The meeting focused on addressing common challenges faced by applicants. Authorities decided to accelerate the overall document verification process to minimise delays and hardships.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi issued clear directives to simplify and fast-track verification procedures. He stressed the need for maximum convenience, ensuring applicants receive comprehensive support at every stage of the process.
Minister Salik Hussain welcomed these developments as a significant positive step. He noted that granting legal status to thousands of Pakistanis abroad aligns with the government’s broader vision of empowering the diaspora.
The high-level forum included senior representatives from relevant institutions. Participants joined via Zoom from Spain, including the ambassador, the Consul General in Barcelona, and the Community Welfare Attaché.
From Pakistan, key attendees comprised Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, the Secretary of Interior, the Secretary for Overseas Pakistanis, Chairman NADRA, DG FIA, DG Passports, and other senior officials.
This initiative comes amid Spain’s recent efforts to regularise undocumented migrants who arrived before the end of 2025. The policy offers a structured route to legal residency and work permits for those meeting criteria such as continuous stay and clean records.
For the Pakistani community in Spain, particularly in regions like Catalonia where thousands reside without formal status, the scheme provides renewed hope. Official estimates suggest a substantial number could benefit from streamlined Pakistani government support.
By mandating national-level documentation and expediting verifications, Pakistani authorities aim to prevent bottlenecks at consulates and embassies. This coordinated effort reflects growing collaboration between Islamabad and Madrid on migration matters.
The decisions underscore the government’s recognition of overseas Pakistanis as a vital national asset. Remittances from abroad continue to bolster the economy, and legal integration in host countries enhances their contributions.
Officials expressed confidence that these measures will encourage more Pakistanis to pursue lawful pathways abroad. The focus remains on transparency, efficiency, and protection of applicants’ rights throughout the residency application journey.
As implementation progresses, further guidelines and updates are anticipated from the Ministries of Interior and Overseas Pakistanis. The government has urged eligible citizens to prepare necessary documents promptly to capitalise on this opportunity.
This development marks a proactive response to the evolving needs of the diaspora. It reinforces Pakistan’s dedication to facilitating safe, legal, and dignified migration experiences for its citizens worldwide.