ISLAMABAD: The federal government has issued new travel guidelines for dual nationals, making it mandatory for all overseas Pakistanis to possess a valid Pakistani visa or a valid National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) to enter the country.
According to the new directives, no Pakistani national traveling from abroad will be permitted to enter Pakistan on an expired NICOP. The restriction will be strictly enforced without exception.
Media reports quoted sources as saying the ban will apply to passengers arriving from all countries, including the United Kingdom, which hosts a large Pakistani diaspora. Under the revised policy, travelers holding a foreign passport will be required to present either a valid Pakistani visa or a valid NICOP at the time of travel and immigration clearance.
The Ministry of Interior has formally notified immigration authorities across the country regarding the implementation of the new guidelines. The new SOPs have come into effect immediately at all international airports in Pakistan.
Immigration officials have been directed to ensure strict compliance, and airlines have also been advised to check travel documents before boarding passengers bound for Pakistan to avoid inconvenience to travelers.
