ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia has introduced same-day processing of visa applications for Pakistani citizens through its embassy in Islamabad, a move aimed at facilitating travel and strengthening business, cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
Saudi Ambassador Dr. Rajeh bin Tami Al-Baqami announced the initiative during a meeting with Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik on Friday, according to an official statement issued by Pakistan’s Petroleum Division.
The announcement comes as Pakistan seeks to expand economic and commercial engagement with Saudi Arabia, particularly in the petroleum, energy and mining sectors.
The official announcement, however, did not specify which visa categories would qualify for same-day processing, the application requirements or whether the facility guarantees approval on the day of submission.
How Does Pakistan’s Passport Compare?
The new arrangement is significant for Pakistani travellers, whose passport continues to face restrictions on international mobility.
The Henley Passport Index placed Pakistan at 101st globally in its July 2026 ranking. Pakistani passport holders have access to around 30 destinations without obtaining a visa in advance, including countries offering visa-free entry, visas on arrival and electronic travel authorisations.
Visa-on-arrival facilities are available to Pakistani citizens in destinations including Nepal, the Maldives, Cambodia, Madagascar, Mozambique and Senegal. Visa-free entry is available in countries such as Rwanda, Barbados, Dominica, Haiti and The Gambia, while electronic travel authorisations are available for Kenya, Seychelles and Sri Lanka.
These arrangements differ from country to country and may involve specific entry conditions, documentation and fees. Visa-on-arrival access also does not mean visa-free entry.
Saudi Arabia’s latest initiative is different: it concerns faster processing of visa applications at the Saudi Embassy in Islamabad, rather than a general visa-free or visa-on-arrival arrangement for Pakistani passport holders.
Pakistan Offers Saudi Firms Tax-Neutral Oil Storage
Beyond travel facilitation, the meeting focused on expanding cooperation in the petroleum, energy and mining sectors.
Malik informed the Saudi ambassador that Pakistan had approved a tax-neutral bonded policy modelled on international energy hubs such as Fujairah and Singapore.
Under the framework, Saudi companies can establish commercial oil reserves in Pakistan without local tax liabilities. The proposed arrangement could help diversify maritime supply routes amid risks associated with disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb.
The minister said strategic oil storage facilities in Pakistan would provide Saudi Arabia with greater flexibility in managing supply routes and accessing Asian markets.
Pakistan Plans Petroleum Storage and Refining Complex
Malik also outlined plans to develop a major petroleum storage and refining complex at Hub in Balochistan, with guidance from Technip Energies UK.
The proposed facility is expected to accommodate Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and strengthen Pakistan’s potential as a regional energy corridor serving Central Asian and Chinese markets.
The minister also highlighted investment opportunities under Pakistan’s refinery upgradation programme, which aims to modernise domestic refining infrastructure, improve efficiency and support the transition to Euro 5 fuel standards.
Saudi Crude Oil and LPG Supplies Discussed
The two sides also discussed expanding crude oil procurement and arranging dedicated liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shipments through coordination with Saudi Aramco.
Malik thanked Saudi authorities at Yanbu port for prioritising crude oil shipments to Pakistan during recent disruptions in global energy markets.
He said additional supplies could help meet Pakistan’s energy requirements, particularly as domestic gas demand is expected to rise during the winter season.
The minister also invited Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister of Mining, Khalid al-Mudafier, to attend the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum scheduled for November 12 and 13 in Islamabad.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through greater investment, commercial engagement and cooperation in minerals, petroleum and energy.
