Canada announces to shift visa processing centre back to Islamabad from Abu Dhabi


Islamabad: After a ten-year hiatus, Canada has decided to relocate its visa processing centre back to Islamabad from Abu Dhabi, GNN reported Monday.
According to a Canadian official, “The government has reserved a huge amount in this regard”.
Reportedly, the shifting of the visa centre to Dubai caused immense difficulty to Pakistanis in regard to processing their visa applications. Following this, the government of Pakistan urged the North American country to review its decision of shifting its visa facility to the Gulf country.
In 2019, Pakistan’s high commissioner to Canada, during his meeting with the Canada-Pakistan Friendship Group at the Canadian House of Commons, had requested the Canadian government that the visa processing centre should be moved back Islamabad as other Western countries had also resumed the services considering the improved security situation by removing militant groups in Pakistan.
He stated that the reopening of the visa office would allow the Canadian immigration authorities to verify the credentials of applicants within Pakistan.
The Pakistani ambassador also highlighted the improved security environment in the country and friendly policies of the new government about foreign direct investment (FDI) available in the automobile, energy, telecom, manufacturing and tourism sectors in Pakistan, which would may benefit Canadian firms in various ways.
It is pertinent to mention here that Canadian government shifted its visa office from Islamabad to Abu Dhabi and the United Kingdom owing to security reasons 10 years ago.

Saudi authorities arrest 50 people, including 11 women, for prostitution charges
- 6 hours ago

Bangladesh’s 2025 tour of Pakistan confirmed for white-ball series
- 6 hours ago

JI chief offers help for Afghanistan talks, slams govt’s approach to national security
- 6 hours ago

Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to meet on March 30 for Shawwal moon sighting
- 2 hours ago

Mustafa Amir murder case: Father and son clash in court during case hearing
- 4 hours ago

Dollar surges as forex markets struggle amid IMF delays, economic pressures
- 3 hours ago
Jaffar Express resumes operations after terrorist attack
- 6 hours ago

Sindh announces holiday for educational institutions on March 22
- 3 hours ago
Virtual learning introduced at Balochistan universities amid growing security risks
- 16 minutes ago
Gold prices hit historic highs amid global economic concerns
- 5 hours ago

Pakistan vows full force against terrorism in recent security meeting
- 3 hours ago

Nagpur riots: Hindu extremist group demands destruction of Aurangzeb's tomb
- 6 hours ago