UK Immigration, Spain Legalization, Pakistanis Deported, Canadian Visa | Pardes Ep. 67

Kiran Butt of Pardes in this new episode of Pardes explains following developments related to Immigration, Visa, Travel and other topics related to life in other countries:

The Spanish government has launched an employment program for undocumented immigrants after granting them legal status. Under this plan, millions of people will be provided with legal jobs. More than 500,000 people submitted applications for the program, which began in January. So far, 91,000 individuals have been issued temporary work permits. The government says it can process up to one million applications. The aim of the project is to bring people out of the black market and into the legal system. Jobs will be offered in construction, tourism, transport, and care services. According to officials, the initiative will help strengthen the economy and the pension system.
The approval rate for student visas in the UK has dropped significantly. According to the British Home Office, the visa rejection rate has reached its highest level in ten years. In the first three months of this year, only 35,625 student visas were issued. This figure is one-third lower than last year. According to the report, Pakistani students have been the most affected. The visa rejection rate for applicants from Pakistan has reached 39 percent, meaning nearly four out of every ten applications are being refused. Pakistani students are also facing delays in visa processing. Following the new policies, several British universities have started limiting admissions from countries with high rejection rates.
The deportation of Pakistanis from Gulf countries continues on a large scale. Over the past five years, more than 164,000 individuals have been expelled. According to official figures presented by the Ministry of Interior in the National Assembly, the highest number of deportations occurred from Saudi Arabia. A total of 108,029 Pakistanis were sent back from Saudi Arabia. The United Arab Emirates deported 40,497 Pakistanis, while Oman expelled 9,814 individuals. In addition, 2,971 Pakistanis were deported from Qatar and 2,789 from Bahrain.
The new Umrah season has begun, and Saudi Arabia has started issuing Umrah visas. According to the official schedule, pilgrims from around the world began arriving in Saudi Arabia on June 1, 2026. From the same date, bookings for Umrah permits and other services through the “Nusuk” app were also opened. Under the new calendar, the last date to obtain an Umrah visa has been set for March 9, 2027. The final entry date into Saudi Arabia for pilgrims will be March 23, while the last date for departure will be April 7, 2027.
A new difficulty has emerged for people seeking Green Cards in the United States. The Trump administration has introduced a new emergency policy. Foreign nationals on temporary visas will no longer be able to adjust their status to a Green Card while remaining inside the US. Under the new policy, applicants will have to return to their home countries and apply for a Green Card through the US embassy there. American officials say the decision will eliminate loopholes in the immigration system. On the other hand, human rights organizations have strongly criticized the move. According to them, the decision could put refugees, vulnerable children, and people fleeing dangerous situations back at risk.
Net migration to the United Kingdom has declined by a record margin. The number of immigrants has been cut in half. Official figures show a record 48 percent drop in net migration last year. The number has fallen from 330,000 to 171,000. After reaching a record high of 944,000 in 2023, this marks the largest decline so far. The main reason is stricter restrictions imposed on family members of skilled workers and international students coming from non-European countries. According to official statistics, visas issued to the families of students have dropped by as much as 87 percent. The number of asylum seekers being housed in hotels has also decreased by 35 percent.
The Government of Pakistan has decided to make passport fee payments fully digital. To facilitate citizens, passport fee payments will now become completely digital and cashless. Representatives from the National Bank, JazzCash, Easypaisa, and other financial institutions attended a meeting regarding the initiative. They assured full cooperation for the rapid implementation of the modern digital system. Officials say this technology will not only make fee payments faster and more transparent, but will also ensure citizens receive quicker services with dignity at passport offices.
Canada has provided major relief in its refugee restriction law by exempting unaccompanied children from the ban. Under a new temporary policy introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, children under the age of 18 who do not have parents or legal guardians in Canada can now apply for asylum even one year after entering the country.

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