Ministry says processing time may be 1 minute to 24 hours, depending on visa category

In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Kuwait has officially lifted a 19-year-old visa ban on Pakistani citizens, resuming the issuance of work, family, visit, tourist, and business visas, the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis confirmed on Monday.

According to Mustafa Malik, the focal person of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, the move marks the beginning of a new era in Pakistan-Kuwait relations, opening up wide-ranging opportunities for thousands of Pakistanis in terms of employment, trade, and tourism.

“This is a historic moment,” said Malik. “The credit goes to the Kuwaiti government and the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis for their tireless efforts in restoring visa access for Pakistani citizens.”

Kuwait had halted visa services for Pakistanis nearly two decades ago, citing administrative reasons. The restoration now allows thousands of Pakistani skilled workers to apply for employment visas, enabling them to earn valuable foreign exchange for the country.

Highlighting the significance of the development, Malik noted that the Kuwaiti Dinar is the strongest currency in the world, with one dinar equivalent to Rs914, making overseas jobs in Kuwait especially beneficial for Pakistani workers.

Under the new policy, Pakistani nationals can apply for:

• Work visas
• Family visit visas
• Business visas
• Tourist visas

All visa types will now be processed via an online portal, making it easier and faster for applicants. According to the ministry, the processing time could be as short as one minute and up to a maximum of 24 hours, depending on the visa category.

“This development will not only benefit Pakistani families but also strengthen our economy,” Malik concluded.