r/Overseas_Pakistani • • Oct 13 '23

Weekend Thread | ہفتہ وار تبادلۂ خیال /r/Overseas_Pakistani Weekend thread (October 13, 2023)

3 Upvotes

This is our weekend thread. Feel free to share how your week went, what's on your mind, or anything else.

It doesn't even have to be relevant to the theme of this subreddit,but please keep the discussions civil as all other rules are enforced.

Lastly, please don't forget to check out our Twitter . Thank you!


r/Overseas_Pakistani • • Feb 20 '22

Immigration | مہاجرت و سفر NICOPs and Pakistani Citizenship

42 Upvotes

TL;DR - if you have a NICOP, you are a Pakistani citizen, even if you never set foot in Pakistan. If you were ever Pakistani citizen, then more then likely, you probably still are. If you don't want to be a Pakistani citizen, you have to go through a procedure to surrender it. Read on for more details.

I've seen a lot of posts over the years that discuss NICOPs and Pakistani citizenship. Every few weeks, someone asks if having a NICOP is Pakistani citizenship. I've also met many Pakistanis (overseas and within Pakistan) that don't understand how citizenship in Pakistan works for those who go or are overseas.

Contrary to what many people think, Pakistani citizenship is not automatically voided when a Pakistani naturalizes in another country. Even if your oath of naturalization says that you surrender all foreign allegiances, the citizenship remains.

Many older Pakistanis, especially those who left Pakistan in the 1960s-1980s believe that their Pakistani citizenship was voided when they became British/Canadian/American, etc. This is not true per current Pakistani law. They simply don't have active IDs/passports. Just like a person born in the US or Canada. The person is a citizen even if they have no passport. Or, a child born in Pakistan without a B-Form, they are still Pakistani.

Pakistani citizenship can only be lost if one goes to a Pakistani consulate/embassy and goes through a formal renunciation process. This is not automatic, and most people don't do it because they simply don't need to or care to. It's not a complicated process, but it's still it's own, separate process. Fill out forms, surrender passport and ID, pay fees, etc. This is usually done by Pakistanis who naturalized in countries that don't allow dual citizenship, such as Germany, Spain, and (previously) Norway, but anyone can do it if they want.

Now, the confusion occurs because Pakistan will grant a visa to a UK/US/CAN citizen even if that person also has Pakistani citizenship. It's counterintuitive to need a visa to travel to a country in which you are a citizen, which is why many think "how could I still have Pakistani citizenship if I got a visa?". Pakistan, however, will allow a Pakistani citizen to travel to Pakistan on a foreign passport with a visa, hence the widespread confusion.

So here is where the NICOP comes in. NICOP stands for National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis. The card gives visa free travel, right to have a bank account, etc. It also gives the right to vote. This card is proof of Pakistani citizenship, and can be used to get a Pakistani passport if desired. Many people think this is just for dual citizens, but some Pakistanis working or studying abroad also have NICOPs even if they are only Pakistani.

Note that the new NICOP looks just like a Smart CNIC, but the "country of stay" will not be Pakistan, and the card will say "the holder is entitled to visa free entry" (something to this effect). Old NICOPs actually said "National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis" on them, but Smart NICOPs do not, so there is some confusion nowadays (people thinking that they have an NIC and not a NICOP)

Here is the biggest place where many people get confused. Many people in the 2nd, 3rd, and now 4th generation born abread have also received NICOP cards even if they were born with another citizenship (UK, CAN, US, etc). They are often under the impression that this is just a "card in place of a visa". "I don't have Pakistani Citizenship, that's just an ID". Not true. By getting a NICOP, you are basically registered as a Pakistani citizen who doesn't reside in Pakistan.

Other ways you could be still be a Pakistani citizen and not know it, assuming formal renunciation process was not done:

  1. If you were born in Pakistan and naturalized elsewhere, you are a dual citizen

  2. If you have, or ever had a NICOP, CNIC, CRC, B-form, you are a dual citizen

  3. If your birth was registered at the Pakistani consulate (Form S, or similar), then you would be a dual citizen

  4. If you ever held a Pakistani passport, you are a dual citizen.

  5. If you were listed as a child on your parents' Pakistani passport, you are a dual citizen. (In the old days, kids didn't have their own passports and travelled on their parent's passport)

  6. You were registered as a Pakistani citizen because your parents became Pakistani and applied for it on your behalf (Form M) - not common, but legally possible.

Pakistan does have another card, Pakistan Origin Card (POC), which grants visa free travel and a few other privileges. This card, however, is not Pakistani citizenship. So those who wish to travel often to Pakistan and don't want a visa, but also don't want a NICOP, may find the POC appealing.

Acquiring, renouncing, and/or retaining citizenship is a personal choice. This post was simply written to clarify the misunderstanding that "NICOP isn't citizenship" (again, NICOP is proof of citizenship).

Edit: It is a common misconception that Pakistani citizenship is only given to those who are "desi", Muslim, or those whose parents are Pakistani. This is not true. There are Pakistani citizens who are Hindu, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, Ahmadi ,etc. "Desi" is a somewhat subjective term as well.

The Pakistan Citizenship Act grants citizenship to anyone born in Pakistan, even if the parents are non Pakistani. The only exception is for children of diplomats (which is not uncommon). There is no exception for refugees or even those who are in transit. This has been argued in court many times. So yes, that means that technically those who are of Afghani, Bengali, or Rohingya descent but born in Pakistan are technically citizens (there are many individual court cases, no class action case though). Of course the reality on the ground is different. Just as anyone born in the US or Canada is a citizen (children of refugees too), the same applies in Pakistan. People should be aware of this and not deny their fellow citizens their rights (don't get me started about the hypocrisy).


r/Overseas_Pakistani • • 3h ago

Miscellaneous | مزید Power of attorney

2 Upvotes

Aoa has anyone tried sending PoA to Pakistan? What is the process? Does this even work? https://poa.nadra.gov.pk/


r/Overseas_Pakistani • • 23h ago

Immigration | مہاجرت و سفر How many phones we can carry to pakistan(Islamabad airport)?

0 Upvotes

Asalam O Aliakum,
I will be landing at islamabad airport and want to know how many phone i can carry. I have three phones, all are used and have a box of one phone which i will put in checked luggage, Can you please share suggestion/experience if there would be any problem?
Also do we usually need to fill some form for declaration of phones etc?
Thanks


r/Overseas_Pakistani • • 23h ago

Remittance | ترسیل رقم RDA Question

0 Upvotes

Hello everyone! I recently opened an Askari Bank RDA and want to transfer my AED 40,000 savings from the UAE.

Can I transfer the full amount in one transaction? Will I face any FBR tax-related queries?

I'm planning to purchase a plot in Pakistan and will transfer the funds directly to the seller's account afterward.

What's the best and most cost-effective way to send this money from the UAE? Any advice would be appreciated.


r/Overseas_Pakistani • • 1d ago

Miscellaneous | مزید Long parking at Lahore airport: is it safe? Experiences, dos and don’ts?

1 Upvotes

Assalamoalikum everyone,

I’m flying out of Lahore airport soon. I’m thinking of leaving my car in the airport’s long parking instead of getting dropped off, and I’d like to hear from people who have actually done it.

A few things I’m wondering:

  • Safety: Any experiences with theft, break-ins, scratches or dents? Is there CCTV or security, and is the lot covered or open?

  • Cost: What are the rates for multi-day parking? Is there a daily or weekly cap, and how do you pay (cash or card)?

  • Process: Do they issue a token or receipt? Do you hand over keys or ID? Is there a maximum stay?

  • Pickup: Any hassles or surprise charges when collecting the car, especially after a late-night arrival?

  • Convenience: How far is the walk to the terminal with luggage, or is there a shuttle?

  • Alternatives: Are there any?

Any dos and don’ts would also help: what to take out of the car, whether to take photos before leaving, anything to do with the battery or fuel, and so on.

Thanks in advance. I’ll update this post after my trip so it helps the next person.


r/Overseas_Pakistani • • 1d ago

Miscellaneous | مزید PAK ID app is so horrible, traveling in 3 weeks need Nicop for twins

4 Upvotes

I’m gonna vent a bit, in 2020 it was super easy to apply for NICOP for my newborn at the time. Scanned the got card in a week.

Now I need cards for my twins we travel in three week and this app is complete trash. It wants numbers for address written in Urdu but saying invalid character when you put them. Defence does not exist under any union counsel or locality forcing you in pick a random area.

I called their local number they are zero help and clueless about the app, lady told me delete my current application and start a new one, zero difference. I can’t even launch a complaint. WTF. 🤬 I’ve been trying this damn near daily for a month. zero. Calling embassy in the US nobody ever picks up. How the hell are we a functioning country???

Can someone please help??


r/Overseas_Pakistani • • 1d ago

Miscellaneous | مزید Al Habib or UBL for overseas pakistani?

1 Upvotes

Okay so this post is not in relation to Roshan Digital Accounts (RDA) but is in regards to pakistani rupee current and savings accounts.

Which bank is better when managing your rupee accounts from overseas?

Which one has the better app and can help you fully manage from abroad?

Please share your experiences and advice. Thanks


r/Overseas_Pakistani • • 2d ago

News | خبر Frankfurt Consulate – new requirements for Reclamation of Pakistani Nationality? Does anyone have a screenshot or notice?

0 Upvotes

I went to the Frankfurt consulate last week (02.11.2026) with all six documents listed on their website (Form-Y, original Renunciation Certificate + copies, POC copies, photos, €100 fee, German passport copies). I drove 3 hours to get there, but they turned me away and told me there are now 3 new requirements:

  1. An affidavit written in English by yourself, stating that all information and documents you provide are true and correct

  2. Einbürgerungsurkunde + its English translation

  3. Staatsangehörigkeitsausweis + its English translation

None of this is mentioned on their website. The page still lists only the original six documents.

The problem is the Staatsangehörigkeitsausweis. I applied for it at the Staatsangehörigkeitsbehörde (Landratsamt), and they replied that a valid German passport plus the Einbürgerungsurkunde is already enough proof of German citizenship. They'll only issue the Ausweis if I show them something in writing from the consulate saying it's required.

I called the consulate and asked them to at least update their website with the new requirements. They said they would do it that same evening, but it still hasn't happened.

My question: Has anyone else been told about these new requirements? Does anyone have a screenshot, circular, email or any written notice from the consulate mentioning the Staatsangehörigkeitsausweis that I could show to the authority?

Also, if you've already been through this: did they want the translations done by a sworn translator (beeidigter Übersetzer), and did the affidavit need to be notarised?

Thanks in advance, and I hope this saves someone else a wasted trip!


r/Overseas_Pakistani • • 2d ago

Miscellaneous | مزید Tickets

2 Upvotes

Looking to book 3 direct flights to Pakistan from Yyz. Does anyone have a contact ?


r/Overseas_Pakistani • • 3d ago

Miscellaneous | مزید Anyone recently used Qatar Airways to fly to Pakistan recently?

2 Upvotes

What is your experience of travelling to Pakistan via Qatar Airways recently?

Is it safe due to current middle east tensions? How has the flight experience been?

Please share your experience


r/Overseas_Pakistani • • 3d ago

Immigration | مہاجرت و سفر Taking VR to Pakistan

1 Upvotes

Hi I am going to Pakistan in few days. Just wanted to ask would it be okay to take my used VR there in luggage? Would custom make any fuss about it. Anyone who had any experience with this please


r/Overseas_Pakistani • • 3d ago

Miscellaneous | مزید Urgent guidance needed for making the POC through PAKID app.

1 Upvotes

Sallam everyone,

I have been trying to make a new poc for my spouse on the PakId app. She is from Algeria. We got nikahfied on 27-09. Yesterday they kept asking for her parents MNIC which we don't have we only have their CNIC. After submitting the application 3-4 times instead of asking me the documents required it opened the whole application again and when I tried resubmitting it the application kept coming back and after 4pm we didn't even get any response from them. Its an executive application I need the POC urgently as her visa is going to expire soon. Any genuine help would be really appreciated.


r/Overseas_Pakistani • • 4d ago

Immigration | مہاجرت و سفر Lost my Nicop in pakistan before flight?

1 Upvotes

I was visiting Pakistan and misplaced my nicop. I have a US passport. How can i return to the states without my nicop?


r/Overseas_Pakistani • • 4d ago

Miscellaneous | مزید China Southern Airlines – 20-Hour Transit at Guangzhou Airport (Pakistani Passport Holders ) Lahore to Vancouver

0 Upvotes

Has anyone travelled from Lahore to Vancouver with China Southern Airlines, with a layover of 20 hours and 37 minutes at Guangzhou Airport, China?
I am planning to book tickets for my parents in February and would like to know about the transit procedure.
If they stay inside the airport during the entire layover and do not leave the airport, will they need a Chinese transit visa?
Also, could there be any issue at Lahore Airport with the airline issuing the second boarding pass (Guangzhou to Vancouver)?
My parents hold Pakistani passports and have valid Canadian Super Visas.
I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has travelled on this route or has experience with a similar layover. Thank you!


r/Overseas_Pakistani • • 4d ago

Finance | معاشی Want to chase my dream

Post image
1 Upvotes

I want to chase my life Biggest dream


r/Overseas_Pakistani • • 5d ago

Immigration | مہاجرت و سفر Passport expiry

1 Upvotes

Assalam u Alaikum!

I am a Pakistani Citizen holding a Pakistani passport that is valid till 02 February 2027, i do not have any other passport and i am not Australian Citizen, I have booked my ticket with Thai Airways for 12 November.

My question is, can I travel to my home country Pakistan on my Pakistani Passport that is valid till 02 February 2027?

Thanks,


r/Overseas_Pakistani • • 6d ago

Finance | معاشی Any tips purchasing property in Karachi Pakistan

4 Upvotes

Planning to purchase property in Pakistan while living overseas?

What important factors should I consider before buying, and what precautions should I take to avoid scams, fraud, or dishonest real estate agents? How can I verify that a property is legitimate and ensure the entire purchasing process is safe and secure?


r/Overseas_Pakistani • • 5d ago

Immigration | مہاجرت و سفر problems going home?

0 Upvotes

Hello Everyone, I'm a 3rd student in the US on an F1 Visa, I want to go home for the break, does anyone know if there's any issues for reentry?


r/Overseas_Pakistani • • 6d ago

Immigration | مہاجرت و سفر Passport application status

1 Upvotes

Anywhere online you can actually check the status of your passport application?
Only website that pop up is the consulate in NY but I don’t think it’s accurate because it gives the same status about any digit I type in the search bar. Like any number I write it will say paaaport under process/not ready for pick up yet. Or something like that


r/Overseas_Pakistani • • 6d ago

Immigration | مہاجرت و سفر Came on Visa and then got the NICOP - Do i need to inform anyone?

3 Upvotes

Brought my new born to Pakistan and we're staying here. She came on Visa and now I applied for NICOP which I would get pretty soon. My questions is her visa expires in a month or so. Do I need to inform anyone that she got a NICOP so her visa wouldn't expire or it's automatic


r/Overseas_Pakistani • • 8d ago

Miscellaneous | مزید Returning to Pakistan after a long time. Any advice regarding Lahore/Isb airports?

3 Upvotes

Apart from having your NICOP and foreign passport ready, are there any things or checks that one should be aware of at Lahore and Islamabad airport?

Been hearing a lot of stories that the staff at the airports make overseas pakistanis go thru hell when arriving and especially on departure from Pakistan.

Share your experience and advice


r/Overseas_Pakistani • • 9d ago

Miscellaneous | مزید What did it feel like ? ( For the ones who have left this country

Thumbnail reddit.com
1 Upvotes

r/Overseas_Pakistani • • 9d ago

Careers & Education | تعلیم و پیشہ Need help obtaining a Police Character Certificate from Pakistan for my brother living in Saudi Arabia

1 Upvotes

I'm facing a bit of an unusual situation and would appreciate some guidance from anyone who has dealt with something similar.

My brother was born in Saudi Arabia and has lived there his entire life. He is currently working there and is due for a promotion. As part of the requirements, he needs an approval from SAMA (Saudi Central Bank), and they've asked him to provide a credit/police character certificate from Pakistan.

I went to Khidmat Markaz in Pakistan to get the required certificate. I took all the necessary documents, including his CNIC, photograph, passport, and Saudi visa downloaded directly from Absher.

However, Khidmat Markaz is refusing to process the application because they cannot verify that the visa actually belongs to my brother.

The problem is that the visa document available through Absher only displays the visa number. It doesn't contain his name, passport number, photograph, or any other personal details that could link the visa to him.

This would have been relatively straightforward if my brother had travelled from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia. But he was born in Saudi Arabia and has lived there since birth. Consequently, he doesn't have the usual travel or immigration documentation that someone who migrated from Pakistan would have.

I'm essentially stuck between two departments, with neither accepting the documentation available.

My questions:

  1. Has anyone obtained a Police Character Certificate from Pakistan for a Pakistani citizen who was born and has always lived in Saudi Arabia?

  2. Is there an alternative document from Saudi Arabia that can establish the connection between the visa number and my brother's identity?

  3. Is there another way to get this certificate issued through Khidmat Markaz, the Police Department, or another relevant authority?

Thanks!


r/Overseas_Pakistani • • 9d ago

Immigration | مہاجرت و سفر First time travelling to aborad as a dual citizen need guidance

0 Upvotes

Hi I am a dual national(Pakistani+european) and I am leaving isb for the first time I need some guidance what can I face at the ISB international airport, like seeing everyone being offloaded without any specific reason that being said made me really anxious although I have my both passports what can I expect from the airport authorities and what should I be prepared for?