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

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.

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 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.