Italy halts validity of work visas for Pakistan: Here’s why

ISLAMABAD: Italy has suspended all work permits for Pakistan and some other countries due to the increase in the use of fake documents through applications.

The Embassy of Italy in Islamabad has issued a notice in this regard.

“Following the enactment of Legislative Decree No. 145 of October 11, 2024, the validation of work NOCs previously issued in favor of nationals of certain countries, including Pakistan, is suspended until the ‘Sportello Unico Valid verification by Immigrazione’ is not completed,” the notice read.

Issuance of work entry visas to nationals of countries including Pakistan whose applications are pending till 11 October 2024 is also suspended.

It added that new visa applications cannot be received until verified by the authorized “Sportello Unico Immigrazione”.

Applicants who wish to retrieve their passports can formally request its return from external service provider BLS International, the embassy said.

“Applicants, employers and lawyers are invited to refrain from sending emails to the Embassy or BLS regarding the verification of their work NOC, as the relevant process is done in Italy,” the notice said.

NOC holders may wish to contact their prospective employers in Italy for updates on their NOC verification status. The work NOC will not expire pending verification by “Sportello Unico Immigrazione”.

The embassy said the processing of other types of visas (such as family, study, business and tourism) has not changed.