The Italian Embassy in Pakistan has issued fresh instructions for people seeking short-term, family reunion, work and study visas. It also warned applicants not to pay agents for appointments. In a notice published on July 25, the embassy said applications for short-term Schengen, family reunion and work visas must go through BLS Visa Application Centres. The designated centres are in Islamabad, Lahore, Multan and Faisalabad. Applicants must reserve slots through www.intianaitalyvisa.com, the portal named in the announcement. The embassy advised people to use only the correct channel, not intermediaries or unofficial websites. High demand has led officials to maintain a waiting list for family reunion and work visas. “All those who are registered in the waiting list will be granted an appointment,” the embassy said. Read More: Saudi Arabia Introduces One-Stop Tourist Visa for Seven Countries Earlier official notices said family reunion appointments follow chronological order and daily availability. Work visa slots also depend on registration order and the Visa Section’s capacity. The work waiting list covers seasonal employment, employed or highly skilled work, and self-employment or artist visas. Applicants cannot visit the service provider’s office without an appointment. Separate Process for Family Reunion and Study Visas People applying to reunite with an Italian or European Union citizen can contact the embassy directly. They must send an Italian certified email, known as PEC, to amb.islamabad.consolare@cert.esteri.it. The embassy’s website provides the required documentation for this category. This route differs from the standard family reunion process handled through BLS. Students seeking admission to an Italian university must first complete pre-enrolment on the Universitaly portal. BLS will contact them to arrange an appointment after their university confirms the application. The embassy’s May guidance for the 2026-2027 academic year says validated students will receive appointment details through their registered email. Officials will assign appointments by the university validation date. Read More: Saudi Arabia Cuts Instant Work Visas for Young Businesses to Just Five The guidance sets November 30, 2026, as the visa application deadline for that academic year. Students remain responsible for complete documents and meeting eligibility conditions. “If you follow these instructions and use the correct booking channel, you will receive an appointment,” the embassy said. Embassy Warns Applicants Against Appointment Fraud The embassy said intermediaries and agencies were illegally offering visa appointments in return for money. It said authorities were taking steps to counter the practice. “Visa appointments should never be purchased,” the warning said. “If you are approached by anyone offering an appointment for payment, please report it to the Embassy immediately.” Separate student visa guidance says the embassy and BLS-Intiana have no official WhatsApp or mobile number for contacting applicants. They also do not demand deposits, commissions or extra payments for securing study visa appointments. Applicants should rely on official embassy and service provider channels, check the correct visa category and follow the stated procedure.
UK Unveils £8 Million Plan to Help Pakistan Fight Illegal Migration
The United Kingdom has announced an additional £8 million funding package for Pakistan to strengthen efforts against illegal migration, people smuggling and organised crime, as both countries seek closer cooperation on border security and law enforcement. UK Minister Hamish Falconer announced the funding during a visit to Islamabad. The British High Commission confirmed the commitment in a statement on Tuesday. The new funding aims to enhance border and visa systems, improve information-sharing mechanisms and strengthen Pakistan’s capacity to investigate criminal networks involved in human trafficking and migrant smuggling. The British High Commission said the support would also help facilitate the return of individuals who have no legal right to remain in the UK. “This includes support for improving identity and information-sharing processes, strengthening law enforcement capability to investigate smuggling networks, and expanding community-based prevention programmes that reduce vulnerability to exploitation,” the statement said. The initiative forms part of broader UK efforts to curb irregular migration routes and disrupt organised criminal groups that profit from illegal cross-border movement. Focus on Smuggling Networks and Visa Fraud Falconer described cooperation between London and Islamabad as increasingly important in addressing shared security challenges. “The UK-Pakistan partnership is critical for safeguarding global and UK national security, and tackling terrorist threats, visa fraud and serious organised crime,” he said. DPM/FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 received Mr. Hamish Falconer MP @HFalconerMP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the FCDO. Mr Falconer conveyed deep appreciation for Pakistan’s constructive diplomatic role in facilitating the US–Iran agreement. The two… pic.twitter.com/KDSuxH9b1Z— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 15, 2026 “We are taking this partnership and our cooperation to a new level, with additional funding to deter illegal migration and target drivers from the source,” he added. British officials said part of the funding will support community-based programmes in areas considered vulnerable to illegal migration, with the goal of addressing economic and social factors that often push people toward dangerous migration routes. The UK has intensified efforts in recent years to reduce irregular migration and strengthen cooperation with countries of origin and transit. According to official UK government data, immigration enforcement and border security remain key priorities as authorities seek to dismantle criminal networks that facilitate unlawful travel and document fraud. During the second day of his visit, Falconer is expected to attend a live demonstration of joint operations involving Pakistani law enforcement agencies. The exercise will showcase efforts to identify and intercept non-genuine visa holders at Pakistani airports before departure. Officials said the programme helps ensure that only legitimate travellers and students enter the UK. Pakistan’s Role in US-Iran Deal Recognised Beyond migration issues, Falconer used the visit to acknowledge Pakistan’s recent diplomatic role in facilitating dialogue between Washington and Tehran. According to the British High Commission, the minister personally thanked Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for Pakistan’s contribution to efforts that led to the recently announced US-Iran agreement. “The news of a US-Iran deal is a hugely significant moment and I am pleased to convey my personal thanks, and that of the UK, to Pakistan during my visit here in Islamabad,” Falconer said. He described Pakistan’s role as critical in supporting regional stability and helping create conditions for dialogue. “We remain grateful for the role Pakistan has played in facilitating negotiations. The UK and our partners will continue to work together to see the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz,” he added. The visit highlights expanding cooperation between Pakistan and the UK across security, migration management and regional diplomacy at a time of growing geopolitical and economic challenges.
