PESHAWAR: Pakistani nationals working with various bodies of the United Nations in Afghanistan have complained of difficulties in the extension of their visas.
A number of Pakistanis are employed by different UN agencies in Afghanistan and hold the United Nations Laissez-Passer (UNLP). Many of them have complained that it has become increasingly difficult for Pakistanis to obtain visa extensions required to continue their jobs with these international organisations.
Several of these individuals have approached the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad, seeking diplomatic intervention over what they term discriminatory treatment and delays in the renewal of their visas.
In a letter addressed to the foreign minister through the Embassy of Pakistan in Kabul, the UN employees expressed concern that the visas of some Pakistani staff members have already expired without renewal.
They said the situation is affecting the ability of UN agencies to carry out critical humanitarian and development work in Afghanistan, as delays in visa extensions hinder the timely deployment of personnel.
“Pakistani nationals serving under the UN hold the United Nations Laissez-Passer, which entitles them to certain privileges and immunities under the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, as well as host country agreements. These provisions are meant to ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of UN operations, including prompt visa processing,” the employees stated in their letter to the Foreign Office.
They urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage with the relevant Afghan authorities to seek clarification on any current policy or procedural changes affecting visa extensions, and to advocate for the timely renewal of visas for Pakistani UN staff.The employees requested that the government facilitate a resolution that would allow them to continue their work without disruption.
