PARIS - French Ambassador to Morocco Christophe Lecourtier announced on Monday that France is set to resume issuing visas to Moroccan citizens without limitations.
This decision comes after a two-year period during which Paris had reduced the number of visas granted to Moroccans by half, inviting criticism from public and globetrotters as well.
"From now on, there are no longer any restrictions in terms of issuing visas by France. Any person who meets the criteria necessary to obtain a visa will receive one," Lecourtier told Moroccan radio 2M.
The official said it would take time for this "humiliation" to be forgotten, adding that in 2023, 80% more visas will be issued than in the previous year.
The envoy said the President of the Republic also acknowledged that it had deeply damaged the image and influence of France.
The visa tussle began in 2021 when France decided to slash the number of visas issued to Moroccans. The decision was taken after complaints from French citizens who raised concerns about undocumented immigrants in the country.
The visa cut was highly criticized by Moroccans, who complained of unfair treatment and urged the French authorities to ease the restrictions so as to avoid any discrimination; the French authorities kept the restrictions in place.
It bears mentioning that though the visa restrictions would be lifted soon, the announcement was made in December last year by French foreign minister, a statement which signaled warmer relations between the two countries.
"We've taken measures with our Moroccan partners to re-establish a consular relationship," Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said in December 2022 after talks with her Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita in Rabat.
Pakistani rupee saw marginal improvement against US dollar as it appreciated in the open bank market.
On Thursday, the US dollar moved up and was being quoted at 285.3 for buying and 288.15 for selling.
Euro moves down to 311 for buying and 314 for selling. British Pound rate stands at 358.5 for buying, and 361.5 for selling.
UAE Dirham AED stands at 78 whereas the Saudi Riyal rate stands at 76.20.
Currency | Symbol | Buying | Selling |
US Dollar | USD | 285.3 | 288.15 |
Euro | EUR | 311 | 314 |
UK Pound Sterling | GBP | 358.5 | 361.5 |
U.A.E Dirham | AED | 78 | 78.7 |
Saudi Riyal | SAR | 76.2 | 77 |
Australian Dollar | AUD | 187.2 | 189 |
Bahrain Dinar | BHD | 759.67 | 767.67 |
Canadian Dollar | CAD | 209 | 211 |
China Yuan | CNY | 39.58 | 39.98 |
Danish Krone | DKK | 41.38 | 41.78 |
Hong Kong Dollar | HKD | 36.63 | 36.98 |
Indian Rupee | INR | 3.39 | 3.5 |
Japanese Yen | JPY | 1.49 | 1.56 |
Kuwaiti Dinar | KWD | 926.7 | 935.7 |
Malaysian Ringgit | MYR | 60.38 | 60.98 |
New Zealand Dollar | NZD | 173.44 | 175.44 |
Norwegians Krone | NOK | 26.25 | 26.55 |
Omani Riyal | OMR | 741.26 | 749.26 |
Qatari Riyal | QAR | 77.63 | 78.33 |
Singapore Dollar | SGD | 211 | 213 |
Swedish Korona | SEK | 26.93 | 27.23 |
Swiss Franc | CHF | 325.9 | 328.4 |
Thai Bhat | THB | 8.23 | 8.38 |
KARACHI – The gold price continues to climb up in the local market in line of upward trend in international market.
On Thursday, the single tola of 24 Karat gold was available at Rs218,600, and the price for 10-gram gold reached Rs187,420.
Meanwhile, the 22 Karat Gold price stands at Rs200,380, 21 karat rate for each tola is Rs191,275 and 18k gold rate hoveres around Rs163,950.
In international market, the price of precious metal hovers around $2,045 per ounce.
City | Gold | Silver |
Lahore | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Karachi | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Islamabad | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Peshawar | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Quetta | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Sialkot | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Attock | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Gujranwala | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Jehlum | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Multan | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Bahawalpur | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Gujrat | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Nawabshah | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Chakwal | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Hyderabad | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Nowshehra | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Sargodha | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Faisalabad | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
Mirpur | PKR 218,600 | PKR 2,675 |
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