The Swedish Migration Agency has announced that it will resume processing residence and work permit applications in Pakistan, effective April 9. This update allows applicants to complete biometric data collection, passport verification, and attend interviews at the Swedish Embassy in Islamabad.
The resumption applies to individuals who wish to relocate to Sweden for work, study, or to join family members. Pakistani citizens and legal residents who have been instructed by the Migration Agency to complete these steps can now do so in Islamabad, eliminating the need to travel to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
However, this update does not apply to those seeking short-term Schengen visas to visit Sweden. Applicants for visits of up to 90 days must continue to submit their visa applications through VFS Global offices in various Asian cities, including Bangkok, Manila, Jakarta, and Kuala Lumpur. These applications are then forwarded to the Swedish Embassy in Bangkok for processing.
The Swedish Migration Agency is also considering the possibility of resuming Schengen visa services in Pakistan and will provide further updates when a decision is made.
