On April 9, 2025, the Swedish Migration Agency resumed its residence and work permit activities in Pakistan. Applicants needing to submit biometric data, have their passport checked or be interviewed after submitting an application can once again do so at the embassy of Sweden in Islamabad.
The previous requirement to travel to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia has been withdrawn.
This applies to Pakistani citizens and individuals with resident status in Pakistan who have been instructed by the Swedish Migration Agency to contact a Swedish embassy for an interview, passport check and/or to be fingerprinted and photographed.
This does not apply to those who are applying for a Schengen visa to visit Sweden for a short stay. Those who want to submit an application for a Schengen visa for a short visit to Sweden of up to 90 days are still required to submit their application to VFS Global in Bangkok, Yangon, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Manila, Cebu, Jakarta, Bali, Phnom Penh, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Tokyo or Seoul.
Once an application has been submitted to VFS Global, it will be sent to the embassy of Sweden in Bangkok for processing and a decision.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.