Govt moves to address Chinese visa delays

The government is weighing steps to ease visa processing and domestic travel for Chinese personnel working on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects, The Express Tribune reported. Proposals include asking the Water and Power Development Authority to speed up helicopter procurement and bring the Chilas airstrip into operation, helping company executives move between project locations.

Officials say processing for Chinese nationals has been reduced from roughly four to six weeks to seven days, although applicants can face setbacks if they choose the wrong visa category or submit incomplete paperwork. Chinese company employees have reportedly applied for business visas instead of work visas. Authorities are also considering improved coordination on travel plans, while changes to security procedures require provincial and stakeholder agreement.