Why Are Pakistanis Facing the Highest Schengen Visa Rejection Rate in the World?

In 2024, 40,000 Pakistanis were issued Schengen visas — a figure that remained largely unchanged from 2023.

But behind this number lies a troubling truth:

Nearly 50% of all Schengen visa applications by Pakistanis were rejected — the highest rejection rate in the world.

For context:
Indians received close to 1 million Schengen visas during the same period, with a rejection rate of just 17%.

Among Schengen countries, Germany was the most sought-after destination for Pakistani applicants, followed by Spain and the Netherlands.

This is more than a travel inconvenience.

Visa hurdles are hurting Pakistani businesses, researchers, professionals, and members of the emerging upper-middle class — people who are willing and able to spend, invest, and engage globally.

What explains such high rejection rates?

Lack of diplomatic engagement? Poor documentation trends? Geo-political image issues?

Whatever the case, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs owes the public an explanation — and more importantly, a plan to fix it.

If this issue concerns you, explore the dedicated dashboard created by Gallup Pakistan Digital Analytics team. It compares Pakistan’s Schengen visa trends with those of other countries:

Visit the dashboard

https://lnkd.in/duGtYwmH