Kuwait has lifted a ban on issuance of visas to Pakistani citizens after 19 years, in what is a major diplomatic breakthrough.

The ban had been placed on several countries including Pakistan, Syria, Iran and Afghanistan due to the deteriorating security situations in these countries.

Pakistan had made several attempts to get the ban removed. The issue had been brought up by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in his 2017 visit as well.

A statement from the government of Pakistan said that work, family, visit, tourist, and business visas would now be issued to Pakistani citizens after a gap of 19 years.

“The landmark decision paves the way for enhanced people-to-people contact, workforce opportunities and stronger economic ties between the two governments,” the statement said.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Kuwait Dr Zaffar Iqbal also revealed that the two countries are working on a new memorandum of understanding on labour issues.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries go back decades. Kuwait is home to an estimated 95,000 Pakistanis as well.