# Saudi embassy in Islamabad starts same-day visa processing for Pakistanis

Source: Searchable (https://searchable.pk/news/world/saudi-embassy-in-islamabad-starts-same-day-visa-processing-for-pakistanis)
Type: News article
Author: Searchable Editorial
Published: 31 Oct 2026
Updated: 31 Oct 2026
Retrieved: 1 Nov 2026

> Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik announced the change after meeting Saudi Arabia's new ambassador. What is known so far and what applicants should check before relying on it.

**Saudi Arabia's embassy in Islamabad has introduced same-day processing of visa applications for Pakistani citizens**, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik announced on Saturday after meeting the new Saudi ambassador to Pakistan, Dr Rajeh bin Tami Al-Baqami, [ProPakistani reported](https://propakistani.pk/2026/10/31/saudi-arabia-introduces-same-day-visa-processing-for-pakistanis/).

Saudi Arabia is the biggest destination for Pakistani workers and pilgrims, so a faster visa turnaround matters to hundreds of thousands of people a year: labour migrants, families visiting relatives, business travellers and Umrah groups.

## What was announced

- **Same-day processing** of visa applications at the Saudi embassy in Islamabad.
- **Energy and minerals:** the two sides agreed to widen cooperation on oil storage, refinery upgrades, energy supplies and mining.
- **Minerals forum:** Malik invited Saudi Arabia's Vice Minister of Mining, Khalid al-Mudafier, to the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum in Islamabad on **12 and 13 November**.

## What is not clear yet

The announcement did not say which visa categories are covered (work, family visit, business, Umrah), whether it applies to applications lodged through the visa centres in Lahore and Karachi, or from what date. Most Saudi visas for Pakistanis are lodged through licensed agents, Protector of Emigrants offices for workers, or online, and biometrics are still required.

## What to do if you are applying

1. **Ask your agent or the visa centre** whether your category gets same-day processing before you book travel.
2. **Workers:** you still need the Bureau of Emigration's protector stamp after the visa. Same-day embassy processing does not change that step.
3. **Keep documents ready:** a passport valid for at least six months, recent photos and, for work visas, the employer's documents. Our [passport fee calculator](/tools/government/passport-fee-calculator) shows the cost if you need to renew first.
4. **Be wary of anyone charging extra** for "same-day" service. The embassy has not announced any new fee.

Also for Gulf travellers this week: [Qatar's free 30-day visa on arrival for Pakistanis and its four conditions](/news/world/qatar-visa-on-arrival-for-pakistanis-free-30-day-stay-if-you-meet-four).

## Frequently asked questions

**Does Saudi Arabia offer same-day visas for Pakistanis?**

The Saudi embassy in Islamabad has introduced same-day processing of visa applications for Pakistani citizens, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik announced on 31 October 2026. The categories covered have not been detailed.

## Sources

- Saudi Arabia Introduces Same-Day Visa Processing for Pakistanis (ProPakistani): https://propakistani.pk/2026/10/31/saudi-arabia-introduces-same-day-visa-processing-for-pakistanis/

How to cite: "Saudi embassy in Islamabad starts same-day visa processing for Pakistanis", Searchable, 31 Oct 2026, https://searchable.pk/news/world/saudi-embassy-in-islamabad-starts-same-day-visa-processing-for-pakistanis