Saudi Arabia Introduces Same-Day Visa Processing for Pakistanis
During the meeting, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia agreed to strengthen cooperation in strategic oil storage, refinery upgrades, crude oil procurement, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies and the minerals sector.
Saudi Arabia has introduced same-day visa application processing for Pakistani citizens at its embassy in Islamabad, marking a significant step towards facilitating travel and strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.
The development was announced on Friday following a meeting between Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr Rajeh bin Tami Al-Baqami, during which both sides also agreed to expand strategic cooperation in petroleum, energy and mineral resources.
According to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Petroleum Division, the Saudi embassy in Islamabad has introduced same-day visa processing to facilitate travel and promote business, cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
During the meeting, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia agreed to strengthen cooperation in strategic oil storage, refinery upgrades, crude oil procurement, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies and the minerals sector.
The petroleum minister appreciated the longstanding strategic partnership between Islamabad and Riyadh and highlighted Pakistan’s recently approved tax-neutral bonded oil storage policy, modelled on international energy hubs such as Fujairah and Singapore.
Under the framework, Saudi companies would be able to establish commercial oil reserves in Pakistan without incurring local tax liabilities, creating new opportunities for energy investment and regional trade.
The Petroleum Division said the arrangement would also help Saudi companies diversify maritime transit risks associated with the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab while improving access to Asian markets.
Malik emphasised that strategic oil storage facilities in Pakistan could provide Saudi Arabia with greater flexibility in managing supply routes and accessing regional markets.
Pakistan has been working to expand its domestic crude oil and refined petroleum storage capacity to strengthen energy security amid disruptions to global oil supplies caused by the ongoing Iran-US conflict.
The country currently lacks strategic petroleum reserves, leaving it vulnerable to international supply disruptions, particularly those affecting the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy shipments.
Saudi Ambassador Dr Rajeh bin Tami Al-Baqami expressed Riyadh’s appreciation for Pakistan’s longstanding support, reaffirming that the two countries stood together in all circumstances.
He said bilateral defence and energy cooperation frameworks were aimed at promoting peace, regional stability and economic development.
The petroleum minister also invited Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister of Mining, Khalid al-Mudafier, to attend the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum, scheduled to take place in Islamabad on November 12 and 13.
The upcoming forum is expected to provide further opportunities for Saudi investment and cooperation in Pakistan’s minerals sector.
The latest developments reflect growing economic engagement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, with both countries seeking to expand cooperation beyond traditional bilateral ties into energy security, strategic investment and mineral development.
