Sweden Embassy in Islamabad announces resumption of visa processing

ISLAMABAD: The Swedish Embassy in Islamabad has announced the resumption of visa issuance from April 9, providing a major relief for the citizens of Pakistan who intend to travel to Sweden.

As per the details, the Swedish Migration Agency will resume only work and study visa activities in Pakistan.

“This partial resumption of visa processing in Islamabad will address the large number of applicants, particularly students, eligible workers, and those intending to travel to Sweden for family reunifications,” the embassy said in a statement.

The Swedish Migration Agency said that those “who have applied for a residence permit to come to Sweden to live with someone, to work, or for studies will be able to have their application processed at the embassy in Islamabad.”

Earlier, the applicants had to travel to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia for visa processing, which has been withdrawn.

“We would also like to appreciate the efforts of the community members in Sweden who consistently raised this issue at different fora to complement the efforts of the Embassy,” the embassy added.

However, the Swedish Migration Agency has confirmed that the recent announcement excludes those applying for visit and Schengen visas.

The agency said that those “applying for a Schengen visa for a short visit to Sweden of up to 90 days” are still required to submit their application to VFS Global in Bangkok, Yangon, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Manila, Cebu, Jakarta, Bali, Phnom Penh, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Tokyo or Seoul.