Islamabad, April 20, 2025 – In a major development for Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that Saudi citizens no longer require a visa to enter Pakistan, underscoring the growing warmth and trust between the two brotherly nations.
The announcement came during Naqvi’s visit to the Saudi Embassy in Islamabad, where he met with Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmed Al-Maliki. The high-level meeting focused on strengthening bilateral ties, with both sides emphasizing enhanced collaboration in key sectors including anti-narcotics, counter-human trafficking, and immigration control.
“Saudi nationals are welcome in Pakistan anytime, without the need for a visa,” Naqvi said, adding that the Pakistani government greatly values the long-standing and historic ties between the two nations.
Strategic Dialogue and Mutual Support
The Saudi ambassador warmly welcomed the minister, reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to Pakistan.
“There are very close and historic ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, and we want to deepen them further,” said Ambassador Al-Maliki.
Minister Naqvi expressed gratitude to the Saudi government for its ongoing support in Pakistan’s economic and social development, particularly highlighting Saudi participation in the recent Pak-GCC Anti-Narcotics Conference.
He also commended Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian assistance in securing the release and safe repatriation of five Pakistani family members who had been detained abroad, acknowledging the kingdom’s efforts in protecting Pakistani citizens overseas.
Crackdown on Human Trafficking and Begging Mafias
Interior Minister Naqvi further discussed Pakistan’s intensified crackdown on illegal migration, human smuggling, and organized begging rings, especially those operating under the guise of legal migration.
“The siege against the beggar mafia has been tightened,” he noted, while revealing that new regulations for passport issuance are being introduced to prevent misuse of travel documentation and protect Pakistan’s international image.
Strengthening Bilateral and People-to-People Relations
The meeting served as a continuation of recent diplomatic efforts to deepen strategic cooperation and boost people-to-people contact between the two countries. With visa-free access now granted to Saudi nationals, both nations are looking forward to enhanced tourism, investment, and cultural exchange.
The Saudi Embassy also shared highlights from the meeting on its official social media platforms, describing the exchange as “cordial and productive.”
This move is widely seen as a symbolic and strategic gesture that not only simplifies travel but also reinforces the shared values and mutual respect that define Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations.
