ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Interior Sheikh Rashid Ahmed inaugurated upgraded system of Pakistan Online Visa System (POVS) here at NADRA Headquarters on Wednesday.
Earlier the system inaugurated in March 2019 was a cumbersome process with no access through smart phones and tablets.
NADRA has automated the end-to-end visa application process for the convenience of applicants.
The overhauling involved the up-gradation of the system transforming it into user-friendly, robust and secure interface compatible with all devices including mobile and tablet.
Federal Minister for Interior Sheikh Rashid Ahmed speaking on the occasion said the online application was not only promoting tourism in Pakistan but also a catalyst in positive image building of the country.
He said the ease of access to Pakistan generated through POVS had improved Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and stirred up socio-economic activity in the country. So far over six hundred thousand (6 lacs) applications have been received from 180 countries through online visa system, he added.
Chairman NADRA Tariq Malik while speaking on the launch said that the recent upgrades in Pakistan Online Visa System would result in the reducing the application filing time by 50 per cent.
He said international travel has witnessed a major spike and visa approval rate has reached to 94%. He said, “My mission to look at our services from the citizens’ prism and make Public Services available for all.”
Moreover, new categories Medical Tourism, CPEC Visa, and Pilgrim Visa, Mountaineering & Trekking Visa have also been incorporated in Pakistan Online Visa System. Business visa policy is also revamped through which visa acquisition is now possible within 24 hours.
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