German envoy hopes to open visa section after May 17

The German envoy in Pakistan has expressed the hope that the embassy in Islamabad may resume its visa services next month.

In a tweet on Friday, German Ambassador Bernhard Schlagheck said his country has decided to prolong the travel restrictions for non-EU citizens. “Therefore, our visa section will remain closed until May 17, 2020. Hope, we will be able to reopen soon after this date,” he added.

Due to continuing spread of #coronavirus &based on EU recommendations, #Germany decided to prolong travel restrictions for non-EU citizens. Therefore our visa section will remain closed until 17 May 2020. Hope we'll be able to reopen soon after this date.https://t.co/bo21CcQ0VF

— Alfred Grannas (@GermanyinPAK) April 17, 2020

Almost all the European and Western embassies in Islamabad have suspended their visa services in the wake of coronavirus pandemic.

Most of the diplomats and staff of the foreign missions have packed up and left Pakistan.

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Last month, Pakistan Foreign Office had advised the Pakistani community abroad to avoid all non-essential travel, stay clear from points of the congregation and practise social-distancing in a responsible manner for the safety of their own and of all around.
“We advise our diaspora to exercise caution and personal responsibility for their personal health as well as of those in their family and communities in line with the advisories of local authorities wherever they may be,” Foreign Office Spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said.
The regular briefing was held without reporters as part of social-distancing to contain the spread of COVID-19. The spokesperson’s opening statement was shown live through the official television channel, with her response on questions received from reporters through email were updated later on the FO website.