Pakistan Tightens Entry Rules: Overseas Pakistanis Need Valid Nicop on Foreign Passports

Pakistan has implemented new regulations requiring overseas Pakistanis who hold foreign passports to possess a valid National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (Nicop) for visa-free entry. This measure aims to clarify confusion and end rumors surrounding Nicop usage for those traveling to Pakistan.

Under the updated guidelines from Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), individuals traveling on foreign passports must either present a valid Nicop or obtain a Pakistani visa before their departure. Airlines are now instructed to prevent boarding for passengers unable to produce either a valid Pakistani visa or a Pakistani passport, regardless of their departure country.

This change significantly impacts the large Pakistani diaspora, particularly the approximately two million Pakistanis residing in the UAE. For many, the Nicop serves as more than just a travel document; it is essential for accessing services such as property transactions, banking, and NADRA services like succession certificates. Overseas Pakistanis in the UAE holding foreign passports are advised to renew their Nicop promptly to ensure smooth future travel to Pakistan and continued access to these vital services.