Afghan Migrants In Pakistan Say Visa Extensions Rejected Without Explanation

Afghan migrants in Pakistan say their visa extension requests are being rejected without explanation, leaving many in limbo and unable to return home.

Several Afghans in Islamabad told Afghanistan International that after months of waiting, their applications were denied despite submitting all required documents. They said most of the rejected cases involved medical and tourist visas.

Obaidullah, an Afghan who has lived in Pakistan for three years, said he recently received an email notifying him that his visa extension had been refused without reason. He added that since early 2025, when Pakistan reduced visas for Afghans to one month, he had repeatedly applied before expiry, but his latest request was left pending for three months before being denied.

Another migrant, Tabasum Ahmadi, said her medical visa was also rejected. She noted that Afghans in Pakistan face mounting difficulties but many cannot return to Afghanistan due to safety concerns.

The Afghan Council in Islamabad confirmed reports of widespread denials. Its head, Maiwand Alami Afghan, said about 80 percent of medical visa requests and 10 percent of tourist visa requests had recently been turned down. A travel agent also reported that very few Afghan visas were being approved.

Pakistani officials have not commented on this so far.

In recent months, Pakistan has tightened its immigration policy toward Afghans. The government suspended the extension of Afghan visas two months ago and has vowed to expel all undocumented migrants. Authorities have also announced plans to begin deporting 1.4 million Afghans holding “Proof of Registration” cards from 1 September.