Islamabad: The federal government has initiated measures to streamline the legal documentation process for more than 3,000 Pakistanis residing in Spain to facilitate the issuance of Spanish Resident Cards, according to official sources.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Salik Hussain jointly chaired a high-level meeting in the federal capital to finalise a policy framework aimed at supporting Pakistani nationals seeking legal status in Spain. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and heads of National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
The meeting decided to introduce a major procedural reform by replacing multiple local documents with a single, unified national character certificate to be issued exclusively through the National Police Bureau. The move aims to reduce bureaucratic delays associated with district-level clearances that have long created difficulties for applicants in Spain.
The interior minister directed all relevant authorities to simplify and expedite the verification process, emphasizing that the Ministry of Interior would provide full facilitation to ensure overseas Pakistanis do not face unnecessary hurdles.
During the session, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Spain, Zahoor Ahmed, briefed participants on the current policy framework. Under the proposed guidelines, eligible applicants will initially receive a resident card valid for one year, while completion of seven to eight years of legal residency could lead to permanent residency and eventual Spanish citizenship, in accordance with Spanish laws.
Officials clarified that the facilitation policy is intended specifically for individuals seeking legal work and residence status and does not apply to those pursuing political asylum. Applicants will be required to submit the newly centralised character certificate along with other mandatory identification documents.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured full diplomatic support to ensure coordination between Islamabad and Madrid remains smooth throughout the process.
Salik Hussain termed the initiative a positive development, noting that granting legal status to thousands of Pakistanis would significantly improve their quality of life and safeguard their rights abroad.
The meeting was attended virtually by the Consul General in Barcelona and the Community Welfare Attaché, while senior officials, including the interior secretary, secretary for overseas Pakistanis, and Director General Passports, participated in person.