Pakistan: Multiple-Entry Option for Work Visa Now Available

Foreign nationals applying for their initial work visa for Pakistan can now apply for a multiple-entry option. Similar to the single-entry work visa, foreign nationals under the multiple-entry option will have 90 days from the date of issuance to enter Pakistan, but may be able to stay for up to one year, subject to the discretion of the authorities. Single-entry work visas only permit stays of up to 90 days, and foreign nationals seeking to stay longer must obtain a multiple-entry work visa in Pakistan at least 30 days prior to the expiration of their single-entry work visa. Foreign nationals can use the same application process that they use to apply for a single-entry work visa, by applying through the online government portal, Nadra. The government processing fees for the work visa category depend on the applicant's nationality. The government processing time for a multiple-entry work visa is up to 30 business days, as opposed to up 15 business days for a single-entry work visa. The multiple-entry work visa can be extended for up to two years per extension, provided that the renewal application is filed no later than 30 days prior to the expiration of the existing visa (the government has not announced how many extensions are permitted). This new option provides additional flexibility to employers applying on behalf of their foreign nationals for work visas to Pakistan.