Overseas Pakistanis Receive One-Year Resident Cards In Spain

In a significant development, the Spanish government has confirmed that over 3,000 eligible Pakistanis can apply for a one-year residency card, with the process now expedited and simplified. This decision was made during a high-level meeting co-chaired by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Salik Hussain. A key reform involves the issuance of a unified national character certificate by the National Police Bureau, which will replace the multiple local clearances previously required. This change aims to eliminate delays and streamline the verification process for applicants, as emphasized by Naqvi: "The verification process will be simplified and expedited for the convenience of applicants." This initiative is seen as a major step towards providing legal status to thousands of Pakistanis living in Spain (Geo News, February 23, 2026).