ISLAMABAD: The Italian Embassy in Islamabad has issued updated guidelines for Pakistani nationals applying for Schengen, work, family reunion and study visas, aiming to make the visa application process more transparent while discouraging fraudulent practices by unauthorised agents.
According to the embassy, applications for Schengen, work and family reunion visas should be submitted through BLS Visa Application Centres located in Islamabad, Lahore, Multan and Faisalabad.
Applicants are required to book their appointments through the official BLS website. The embassy noted that there is currently a waiting list for work and family reunion visa appointments because of high demand, but assured applicants that everyone on the list would eventually receive an appointment.
The embassy said the procedure differs for individuals applying to join an Italian or European Union citizen under the family reunion category. Such applicants may request appointments directly from the Italian Embassy and are required to send a PEC (Certified Email) to the embassy. Details of the required documentation are available on the embassy’s official website.
Students seeking admission to Italian universities have been instructed to first complete their pre-enrolment through the University portal. Once the pre-enrolment is verified, BLS will contact applicants directly to schedule their visa appointments.
The embassy advised students not to attempt to book study visa appointments themselves, unlike applicants for Schengen or work visas.
The embassy also warned applicants against visa appointment scams, saying it had received reports that unauthorised agents were selling visa appointments in exchange for money.
It stressed that visa appointments should never be purchased and urged applicants to report any individual or agency offering appointments for payment.
The embassy said it was taking measures to curb such illegal practices and advised applicants to rely only on official channels for visa-related information and appointments.
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