ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has firmly stated that after April 30, 2025, no foreigner will be allowed to live in Pakistan without a visa.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, he emphasized that no one will be allowed to stay without valid visa documentation beyond this date, and that the government will not be granting any further extensions.
“We are committed to upholding our immigration laws,” said Chaudhry. “Anyone found without a visa after April 30 will face deportation, and those facilitating them will be held accountable.”
The warning comes as part of Pakistan’s broader effort to crack down on undocumented immigrants, particularly illegal Afghan nationals. According to the Ministry of Interior, more than 40,000 Afghan citizens have voluntarily returned to Afghanistan since the beginning of April, following renewed enforcement efforts.
Chaudhry also addressed Pakistanis who are employing or providing housing to undocumented foreigners, especially Afghan nationals, stating that strict legal action will be taken against them.
“Harboring or supporting illegal residents is a violation of national law and a threat to our internal security,” he said. “We urge citizens to comply with the law and report any such activities.”
To manage the situation diplomatically, the minister revealed that Pakistan was actively engaged with the Afghan government, and a high-level delegation led by the Deputy Prime Minister was set to visit Kabul on Saturday to discuss cooperation on the return and reintegration of Afghan nationals.
The crackdown is part of a nationwide campaign launched last year to identify and deport illegal immigrants. The operation has involved the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and local law enforcement, all working in coordination to verify identities and enforce repatriation orders.
Officials stress that the campaign is not targeted at any one nationality, but aimed at restoring lawful immigration practices and improving national security amid rising concerns over undocumented populations.
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