Visa mafia tightens grip on Spain appointments in Pakistan, applicants forced to pay hefty amounts

ISLAMABAD: Obtaining a visa appointment for Spain is becoming increasingly difficult for Pakistani citizens, as reports surface of widespread corruption, collusion, and a growing visa “appointment mafia” operating in and around the Spain Visa Application Centre in Islamabad.

According to applicants and industry insiders, the appointment system has allegedly been hijacked by a network of private consultants and agents who claim to have inside links with visa centre staff.

These intermediaries reportedly charge hefty sums for securing appointments that are otherwise inaccessible through official channels.

Sources reveal that over two dozen consultancy offices are operating around the visa centre, some of which openly offer guaranteed appointments in exchange for large commissions.

Reports suggest that family and visit visa appointments are being sold for Rs. 200,000 to Rs. 300,000, student visa appointments for up to Rs. 500,000, and work visa appointments for an astronomical Rs. 1.2 to 1.4 million.

Many applicants allege that despite fulfilling all document requirements, they are unable to secure an appointment unless they go through these agents. Some even claim that certain agents can submit visa applications without official appointments, indicating deep-rooted flaws and possible collusion within the system.

An official at the visa centre, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that the Spanish Embassy sends a weekly list of recommended appointments, and applications are accepted based on that list. However, the process lacks transparency, leaving ordinary applicants frustrated and disenfranchised.

Applicants have urged the Government of Pakistan and relevant diplomatic authorities to investigate the matter, take strict action against the consultancy and agent network, and introduce a transparent, corruption-free appointment system.

Citizens argue that access to visa appointments should be fair and not depend on bribes, middlemen, or internal connections.
As the demand for travel to Spain continues to rise — whether for family reunification, work opportunities, or education — the current situation has raised serious concerns over access, fairness, and accountability in the visa issuance process for Pakistani nationals.