No Visa, No Stay: Pakistan Sets April 30 Deadline for Foreign Nationals
APP
Islamabad: Minister of State Talal Chaudhry on Friday announced that all foreign nationals residing in Pakistan without valid visas must leave the country by April 30, reaffirming the government’s strict policy on the repatriation of undocumented immigrants, particularly Afghan nationals.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, the minister stressed that while Pakistan has shown unmatched hospitality for over four decades, it can no longer allow foreigners to stay without legal documentation.
“For 40 years, we welcomed our Afghan brothers with open hearts. But no country permits anyone to live without a visa, and Pakistan is no exception,” he said.
Chaudhry revealed that since April 1, a total of 84,869 Afghan nationals have been repatriated as part of the ongoing national campaign to return individuals residing illegally in the country.
He emphasized that the repatriation process is being carried out in an organized, lawful, and humane manner. Pakistani authorities are coordinating with Afghan counterparts to ensure a smooth transition.
A key element of the government’s enforcement strategy involves penalizing those who provide accommodation, employment, or services to undocumented foreigners.
“Clear instructions have been issued to all provinces: anyone renting out shops, homes, or hotel rooms to illegal immigrants, or employing them, will face strict legal action,” the minister warned.
Only foreign nationals with valid legal documents will be permitted to rent property, open businesses, or seek employment in Pakistan. “All transactions involving movable or immovable property must involve legally documented individuals,” he added.
Chaudhry assured that the government is pursuing a balanced policy, backed by diplomatic engagement with Afghan authorities. A high-level Afghan delegation visited Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior earlier this week to discuss challenges and explore solutions. In continuation of this dialogue, a Pakistani delegation led by the Deputy Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Kabul to further enhance bilateral cooperation.
The minister also expressed serious concerns about the regional security implications of leftover US military weapons in Afghanistan.
“Credible intelligence indicates that some of the one million weapons left behind by U.S. forces have fallen into the hands of terrorist groups. This poses a grave threat not just to Pakistan, but to the broader region,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Talal Chaudhry reaffirmed that Pakistan’s policy is grounded not in hostility, but in the rule of law, national interest, and public safety.
“We are committed to peaceful relations with Afghanistan, but will not compromise on our national security or legal integrity,” he stated.
