ISLAMABAD: The federal government of Pakistan has initiated measures to facilitate the legalisation of more than 3,000 Pakistanis residing in Spain, aiming to simplify the process for obtaining Spanish Resident Cards. This move is part of a broader effort to support overseas Pakistanis in securing lawful residence and work rights abroad.
High-Level Meeting to Finalise Policy
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Salik Hussain jointly chaired a high-level meeting in Islamabad to finalise the policy framework. The meeting included senior officials such as Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, and heads of NADRA and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). Pakistan’s Ambassador to Spain, Dr Zahoor Ahmed, provided a detailed briefing on the current situation and challenges faced by the community.
Simplified Documentation Process
A key procedural reform agreed upon was to replace multiple local documents with a single, centralised national character certificate, now issued exclusively through the National Police Bureau. This change aims to eliminate bureaucratic delays caused by district-level clearances, which have historically hindered Pakistanis applying for legal residency in Spain.
Minister Naqvi emphasised that all authorities must simplify and accelerate the verification timeline, ensuring that overseas Pakistanis face no unnecessary obstacles. The Ministry of Interior has committed to providing full facilitation at every stage of the process.
How Many Pakistanis Are Registered with NADRA?
Eligibility and Residency Path
Under the new guidelines, eligible applicants will initially receive a one-year resident card. Completion of seven to eight years of legal residence will enable them to apply for permanent residency, eventually leading to Spanish citizenship in accordance with Spanish law. The policy specifically targets Pakistanis seeking legal work and residence status and does not apply to political asylum seekers.
Applicants are required to submit the centralised character certificate along with other mandatory identification documents. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has pledged full diplomatic support to ensure smooth coordination between Islamabad and Madrid.
Positive Impact on the Community
Minister Salik Hussain described the policy as a “positive and encouraging step,” noting that it will significantly improve the quality of life for thousands of Pakistanis in Spain and protect their rights. The initiative reflects a coordinated and prioritised effort by the government to resolve longstanding documentation and legalisation challenges faced by the expatriate community.
Officials from Pakistan’s consular services, including the Consul General in Barcelona and the Community Welfare Attaché, participated virtually, while key on-site representatives ensured inter-ministerial coordination.
This streamlined approach is expected to make the residency and work permit process faster, safer, and more transparent, strengthening the link between Pakistan and its overseas nationals in Spain.
