The Swedish Migration Agency will resume processing residence and work permit applications in Pakistan starting April 9, offering relief to applicants. From this date, individuals needing to submit biometric data, undergo passport verification, or attend interviews can do so at the Swedish Embassy in Islamabad.
However, this update does not apply to those seeking a Schengen visa for short stays in Sweden.
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From April 9, those applying for residence permits to live with a relative, work, or study in Sweden will have their applications processed at the Swedish Embassy in Islamabad. The previous requirement to travel to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, has been removed.
Pakistani citizens, or residents of Pakistan, who have been directed by the Swedish Migration Agency to attend an interview, passport check, or provide biometric data, will be able to complete these steps at the embassy in Islamabad.
For those applying for a Schengen visa for short visits to Sweden (up to 90 days), applications still need to be submitted to VFS Global locations in various countries such as Bangkok, Yangon, Hanoi, and several others. After submission, the applications will be sent to the Swedish Embassy in Bangkok for processing.
The Swedish Migration Agency is reviewing the process for handling Schengen visa applications in Pakistan and will share further details once available.
