MADRID: Spain’s recent changes to its immigration policy have created unexpected problems for many Pakistanis living in the country. While the relaxed rules were meant to help undocumented migrants legalize their status, many Pakistanis are now facing serious documentation issues.
A large number of Pakistani nationals in Spain do not have valid passports. This problem has become a major barrier for those trying to benefit from the updated immigration policy. Without valid travel documents, they cannot complete the legal process required by Spanish authorities.
According to officials, many Pakistanis entered Spain through unsafe and illegal routes. One such route is commonly known as the “Dunky” method. During these dangerous journeys, many people lost their passports. Some destroyed their documents intentionally to avoid identification, arrest, or deportation.
In other cases, passports expired several years ago. These individuals were unable to renew them due to their undocumented status. As a result, thousands of Pakistanis now remain stuck between Spain’s legal requirements and Pakistan’s passport rules.
Under current Pakistani law, a police report is required to replace a lost or stolen passport. This rule applies even to undocumented citizens abroad. However, due to the high number of cases in Spain, local police stations have been overwhelmed. Spanish authorities are also facing administrative pressure because of the growing number of reports.
To address this issue, the Pakistani Embassy in Spain has taken an important step. The embassy has recommended to Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior that the police report requirement be waived. This exemption would apply only to undocumented Pakistanis living in Spain.
Embassy officials believe this change would ease the process for thousands of people. It would also help them benefit from Spain’s relaxed immigration policy without unnecessary delays. The move is seen as practical, given the unique circumstances faced by these migrants.
The recommendation has been formally submitted, but no final decision has been announced yet. The Ministry of Interior is still reviewing the proposal. Until a response is issued, the situation remains uncertain.
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Many Pakistanis in Spain continue to wait for clarity. Without valid passports, their future remains unclear. Officials say a timely decision could help resolve the issue and reduce hardship for affected families.
