No entry for expats with expired IDs as Pakistan issues new travel rules for dual nationals

Pakistan has introduced new travel guidelines for dual nationals, making it mandatory for overseas Pakistanis holding foreign passports to carry either a valid National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) or a Pakistani visa before travelling to the country.

According to the official sources, the new directives have been implemented at all airports and apply to passengers arriving from every country, including the United Kingdom.

Under the revised immigration rules, Pakistani dual nationals will no longer be allowed to enter Pakistan using an expired NICOP.

The government issued directives to all zonal directors of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to convey the decision to airlines operating inbound flights to Pakistan.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior has formally communicated the revised travel guidelines to immigration authorities across the country.

Following these instructions, immigration officials have begun enforcing the new policy at all international airports in Pakistan.

The latest directive means overseas Pakistanis with dual nationality should verify the validity of their NICOP before booking travel to Pakistan.Those whose NICOP has expired or been cancelled will be required to renew the document or obtain a Pakistani visa before travelling to avoid being denied entry upon arrival.

An official told daily Dawn News that the practice of allowing travel on invalid NICOP had been going on for a long time and the authorities decided to stop it with immediate effect. "Airlines should be instructed to verify the validity of NICOPS before boarding and refuse carriage to any passenger presenting an invalid, expired, or cancelled NICOP," the official said.

He added that passengers travelling on a foreign passport with an expired or otherwise invalid NICOP will not be allowed to board a flight to Pakistan unless they hold a valid Pakistani visa.

The official clarified that the decision was not country-specific and would apply to travellers arriving from all countries. A senior FIA official said the law regarding valid travel documents was already in place and the latest directive was aimed at strict enforcement. He said the decision had also been conveyed to all immigration check-posts to ensure uniformity.

Officials said the move brings travel regulations in line with other state services where an expired CNIC or NICOP leads to suspension of banking, SIM, and property rights. The FIA has been tasked with monitoring compliance at airports to ensure airlines implement the verification requirement before boarding.

Millions of NICOPS have been issued to overseas Pakistanis, with thousands expiring each month. While the move for stricter enforcement has generally been welcomed, many believe that the government should ensure faster renewal services at Pakistani missions abroad.

"Many Pakistanis only realise their NICOP has expired when they`re at the airport," said Muhammad Riaz Chaudhary, a Pakistani settled in Heidelberg, Germany. "The government should provide an emergency extension or expedited renewal to avoid genuine hardship," he observed.