British High Commission Launches Digital Visa Facility in Pakistan
Islamabad: The British High Commission in Islamabad has announced the formal launch of an e-visa system for Pakistani nationals applying for education or employment visas to the United Kingdom.
Under the new system, most Pakistani students and skilled workers will no longer require a visa sticker in their passports. Instead, their immigration status will be accessible online through a secure digital UKVI account.
In a statement issued on Monday, the British High Commission said the e-visa system offers a safer, digital, and simplified process for visa holders, aligning with global standards of modern immigration management.
“Millions of people across different immigration routes are already using the e-visa system. We are now extending this facility to Pakistani nationals on study and work routes,” the statement read.
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott termed the move a major step forward, stating: “This change will make the visa process simpler for students and workers, and will allow them to retain their passports without the need for visa stickers.”
The e-visa system will be applicable to several visa categories, including:
- Student visas
- Skilled worker visas
- Global talent visas
- Health and care workers
- Sportspersons
- Youth Mobility Scheme
- Creative workers
The High Commission clarified that visa holders will be able to link their travel documents to their UKVI accounts, allowing easier verification of their status by airports, employers, and landlords.
The introduction of the e-visa will not affect an individual’s immigration status or visa conditions, the statement added. However, it noted that dependent and visitor visa applicants will continue to require visa stickers for the time being.
The e-visa system is expected to be rolled out gradually across all visa categories, the High Commission confirmed.
Discover more from Diplomacy Lens
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
