Fact Check: Italy has not banned issuing visas to all Pakistanis

A social media user claimed that Italy’s Prime Minister Georgia Meloni has banned the issuance of visas for all Pakistani citizens.

The user, Mariana Times, posted on X saying, “ Georgia Meloni has officially refused Italian visas to all Pakistani citizens. Do you support Meloni’s decision ?” The post has been viewed over 1.7 million times.

The news is misleading and has not been reported by the media or any official statement issued by the Italian embassy in Pakistan.

There is no general ban on Italian visas for Pakistani citizens. Visa applications for most categories, including tourism, business, study, and family reunions are being accepted and processed.

However, the Italian embassy temporarily suspended processing new and pending work visa applications as of Oct 11, 2024. The notice was issued by the Italian consulate in Karachi and can be viewed here.

This measure was enacted following a legislative decree to allow for the verification of existing work clearance documents (NOCs) due to concerns over the use of fake documentation in past applications.

“Following the entry into force of Legislative Decree no. 145 of 11 October 2024, the validity of work NOCs already issued  in favour of citizens of some countries, including Pakistan, is suspended until due verification is completed by the “Sportello Unico Immigrazione”.

‘The issuance of entry visas for work for citizens of those countries, including Pakistan, whose applications are pending as of 11 October 2024, is therefore also suspended,” the notice said.

Fact Check Pakistan concludes the claim that the Italian government has issued a blanket ban on issuing visas to Pakistani citizens is FALSE.