Islamabad sets up high-level reforms panel for visa clearance regime

The federal government has constituted a six-member cabinet committee to review matters related to the country’s visa clearance regime, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Tuesday.

The committee will be headed by the federal minister for law and justice, while the federal ministers for interior, finance and climate change have also been included as members.

According to sources, the committee will submit its report to the federal cabinet within fourteen days, and the Ministry of Interior will provide secretarial support for the body’s functioning.

The development comes against the backdrop of a revised visa clearance system that was approved in late 2025 to streamline international travel for Pakistani citizens, with a particular focus on easing procedures for legitimate outbound travellers.

The new framework centres on an official online portal for e-visas, which has been designated as the primary application channel for most categories and destinations, thereby reducing reliance on manual submissions at diplomatic missions.

Under the system, visa on arrival is extended to business travellers from the Business Visa List countries and tourists from designated states, typically allowing stays of up to thirty days, subject to documentation such as invitation letters or sponsor identification.

Business visas have been further facilitated through options for five-year multiple-entry endorsements or visas on arrival for applicants from eligible countries, contingent on sponsorship and formal recommendations.

The updated regime emphasises simplified requirements and reduced paperwork, with mandatory online submissions for many categories intended to improve transparency and efficiency.

Reporter: Awais Kiyani