Afghan Refugees in Pakistan Face Suspension of Visa Extensions
Afghan refugees in Islamabad have reported that the process of extending their visas has been suspended for weeks, leaving them in a state of uncertainty and forcing some to pay brokers for extensions.
Kokcha News Agency: Afghan refugees residing in Islamabad have raised concerns over the suspension of visa extension services, which has left many in legal limbo. According to the refugees, the process of renewing their visas has been halted for several weeks, and their attempts to contact relevant authorities have yielded no results.
Visa service companies have confirmed that the visa extension process has been completely suspended, leaving thousands of Afghan refugees, including those awaiting resettlement to Western countries, in a precarious situation.
In the absence of official channels, some refugees, particularly those waiting for relocation to Western countries, have resorted to paying brokers to secure visa extensions. This has added to the financial burden on already vulnerable individuals.
Meanwhile, police pressure on Afghan refugees has increased, with reports of heightened scrutiny and harassment. Many refugees fear that the suspension of visa extensions could lead to deportation or other legal consequences.
The suspension of visa services comes at a time when Afghanistan continues to face severe economic and security challenges, making the situation for Afghan refugees in Pakistan even more dire.
