Canada is updating its immigration system in 2026, shifting from a broad intake approach to a more targeted selection strategy under the Express Entry program. The government aims to maintain stable immigration levels while prioritizing skilled workers who meet urgent labor market demands. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced new category-based invitation rounds,

The government of Saudi Arabia has issued strict penalties for failing to report visitors who overstay their visit visas. According to Saudi Public Security, individuals who do not notify authorities about overstaying visitors could face fines of up to SAR 50,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.

Armenia has expanded its visa-free entry policy for nationals of 113 countries, including Pakistan, from January 1 to July 1, 2026, allowing travelers to enter the country without a prior visa. Eligible visitors holding valid residence permits from the United States, European Union member states, Schengen countries, or select Gulf nations can stay in Armenia for up to 180 days within a single

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Shafqat Ali Khan, has denied claims that 48-hour and 96-hour transit visas for Pakistani nationals have been suspended, following the circulation of a screenshot from a visa processing platform.

A majority of Pakistani nationals deported in 2025 were returned from Gulf countries, according to a report, highlighting ongoing migration and immigration compliance challenges faced by overseas workers. Saudi Arabia accounted for the highest number of deportations, sending back 27,692 Pakistanis. The United Arab Emirates followed with 6,794 deportations. Other Gulf states also recorded

Sri Lanka has introduced a new Digital Nomad Visa and extended the validity of its tourist visa, allowing visitors and remote workers to stay longer as the country seeks to boost tourism and attract foreign income earners.

Qatar is preparing to introduce a 10-year residency program aimed at entrepreneurs and senior executives, representing a significant change in the country’s long-term expatriate residency policy. The announcement was made during Web Summit Qatar 2026, signaling a strategic move to attract high-level talent and innovation-driven businesses to the country.

In 2026, the Pakistani passport has become significantly stronger, allowing citizens to travel to 32 countries either visa-free or with visa-on-arrival, making international travel more accessible and convenient. Popular destinations for Pakistani travelers include Qatar, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Iran, and Jordan, with stays ranging from 21 to 60 days depending on the country.

The Trump administration announced the addition of 65,000 H-2B seasonal guest worker visas through September 30, aiming to support U.S. employers facing critical labor shortages. This temporary increase nearly doubles the annual allocation of 66,000 H-2B visas for industries including construction, hospitality, landscaping, and seafood processing.

Azerbaijan has introduced an electronic visa system for Pakistani tourists to simplify and speed up the visa application process. The new e-visa facility allows travelers to apply online without visiting an embassy, making travel to Azerbaijan more accessible for Pakistani citizens.