After completing seven to eight years, a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship will be available.
Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi and Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Salik Hussain at a special high-level meeting on the Spanish resident card system PHOTO: GOP
Eligible overseas Pakistanis will initially be provided with 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 issued on Sunday.
Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi and Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Salik Hussain chaired the session. Interior Ministry officials reaffirmed their commitment to providing legal protection and facilities to Pakistanis living abroad, while the Foreign Ministry assured its full support for the Spanish resident card process.
Pakistan Ambassador to Spain Dr Zahoor Ahmed provided a detailed briefing on the project. He clarified that this policy is not intended for people seeking political asylum. The briefing also highlighted that applicants must submit a character certificate and other required documents, the statement added.
According to officials, eligible people will first receive a resident card valid for one year. After seven to eight years, a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship will be available. The document verification process will be expedited to ensure that candidates do not face any difficulties.
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It was decided that multiple character certificates would not be accepted; a single national morality certificate will be issued by the National Police Bureau. The verification process will be simplified and expedited to make it easier for applicants, Federal Minister Mohsin Naqvi said, adding that applicants will get full support at every stage.
Salik Hussain called the move “welcome,” noting that thousands of Pakistanis would gain legal status.
The meeting took place via Zoom in the presence of the Pakistani Ambassador to Spain, the Consul General in Barcelona and the Social Protection Attaché. Other participants included Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Secretary Interior, Secretary Overseas Pakistanis, Additional Secretary Interior, Chairman NADRA, Director General FIA, Director General Passport and other senior officials.
