Europe Dream Fades for Pakistanis as Visa Rejections Climb

A growing number of young Pakistanis are looking to Europe for better job and study opportunities, driven by rising economic challenges and political uncertainty at home. However, high rejection rates for Schengen visas are becoming a major obstacle in their plans to migrate.

According to fresh data from the European Commission, Schengen member states received over 11 million visa applications recently, of which around 14.8% were turned down. For Pakistani applicants, the rejection rate was far higher — with nearly half of the 78,000-plus applications being denied.

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Austria recorded the highest refusal rate for Pakistanis, rejecting more than 80% of their applications. Other countries with strict screening included Malta, Estonia, Belgium, and Sweden. Germany, despite a relatively low refusal rate of 13.7%, has scrapped its visa appeal process, making denials final and unchallengeable.

Experts say incomplete documentation and weak proof of ties to Pakistan are the most common reasons for visa refusal. They recommend that applicants ensure complete paperwork, clear return plans, and evidence of financial stability.

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Those seeking smoother entry into Europe are advised to apply to countries with lower rejection rates, such as Iceland or Switzerland. Alternatively, destinations like the Maldives, Barbados, and Dominica offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access, making them attractive options for Pakistani travellers.

Schengen Visa Rejection Rates for Pakistani Applicants