The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has introduced revised guidelines for issuing visa notices, as announced on August 14, 2024.
Foreign Secretary Cyrus Sajjad Qazi issued these updated rules with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s approval. They specifically address the issuance of initial “Note Verbales” for diplomatic and official passport holders making private visits, following formal requests from the Senate and National Assembly.
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According to the new guidelines, preliminary visa notices will be given to diplomatic and official passport holders traveling privately, but a formal agreement is required for their family members. This agreement ensures that travelers will not seek asylum or misuse the initial communication while abroad.
These changes come after an incident involving Haider Ali, Joint Secretary of the Senate, whose family sought asylum in Europe despite receiving an initial letter for attending a meeting. The updated guidelines aim to prevent such misuse and ensure the appropriate use of diplomatic privileges.
