Govt moves to speed up verification for Spain resident card applicants

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Salik Hussain chaired a high-level meeting to review the process for obtaining Spain’s resident card, reaffirming the government’s commitment to facilitating Pakistanis living abroad.

Officials from relevant ministries attended the session, during which Pakistan’s Ambassador to Spain, Dr Zahoor Ahmed, delivered a detailed briefing on the scheme. Participants were informed that the policy does not apply to individuals seeking political asylum.

The meeting was told that applicants must submit a mandatory character certificate along with other required documents. Eligible individuals will initially be granted a one-year resident card, with a pathway to permanent residence and citizenship after seven to eight years.

To streamline the process, it was decided that document verification would be expedited to prevent delays for applicants. The forum also agreed that separate character certificates would not be accepted; instead, a single national character certificate would be issued through the National Police Bureau.

Naqvi directed authorities to make the verification system simple, efficient and applicant-friendly, emphasising that overseas Pakistanis should receive full facilitation at every stage of the process.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured complete support for the initiative, reiterating that the government aims to provide legal protection and improved services to citizens residing abroad.