Pakistan unveils new visa policy under SIFC to attract foreign entrepreneurs
Pakistan
People who work in mid-sized and large businesses could also avail this facility of visa
ISLAMABAD (APP) - Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Saturday announced a new easy visa regime for foreign businessmen and entrepreneurs desiring to visit Pakistan.
In a statement after the fifth meeting of the Apex Committee of Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), he said that important decisions were made in the meeting.
The meeting was chaired by the caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar and attended by Chief of Army Staff, Federal Cabinet, Provincial Chief Ministers and high level government officials. Ministries presented comprehensive plans, covering milestones, timelines and solutions to overcome major challenges.
The 2nd session was arranged to seek input from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, Information Technology & Telecommunications, National Food Security & Research, and Water Resources for improving business and investment climate in the Country.
Second session of the 5th Apex Committee Meeting of SIFC.
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) September 9, 2023
Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) resumed the proceedings of 5th Apex Committee Meeting on 9 September 2023; 2nd session was arranged to seek input from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior,… pic.twitter.com/xLDTrtob91
According to one of the decisions, he said those foreign businessmen who want to visit Pakistan would get easy visas on the basis of a document from their country or from international business organizations.
Pakistani missions would issue visas to foreign businessmen on the basis of that single document, he said adding that the new visa regime would make Pakistan a country open for business.
The prime minister said besides, if Pakistan’s chambers of business or business organizations issue a document to a foreign businessman, easy visas would also be issued to them.
People who work in mid-sized and large businesses could also avail this facility of visa, he added. He expressed the hope that under this new visa regime, Pakistan would enter a new phase of business and economy.
The Committee unanimously decided to take all decisions in larger interest of the Country and deal with the menace of smuggling, hoarding and market manipulations with iron hands through an elaborate enforcement mechanism.
The prime minister directed the ministries to optimally utilise the short interim period for a positive contribution while also initiating medium and long term policy interventions.
Chief of Army Staff pledged unwavering support of Pakistan Army to backstop the Government’s efforts for ‘Economic Revival’ of the Country.
