Govt resumes issuing POCs to foreign nationals married to Pakistanis

The restriction had left more than 3,500 couples in a state of uncertainty

ISLAMABAD: In a major development, the government has allowed issuance of Pakistan Origin Card (POC) to foreign nationals married to Pakistani citizens.

A decision to this effect was taken by National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) a week ago. The authority has now begun processing the applications.

Nadra was barred from processing and issuing POC during the tenure of former interior minister Chaudhry Nisar. The decision had left in a limbo for over a year more than 3,500 foreign nationals married to Pakistanis.



However, according to the new directives, those who already had a POC can get it renewed as per the procedure.

As for those who are applying for a POC for the first time, their applications will only be processed if they have been married to their Pakistani spouses for a period of at least five years.

The applications for acquiring a card can only be submitted online on the Nadra website.

According to a document of the international operations department, 3,515 foreigners married to local men held moveable or immoveable properties in Pakistan and bank accounts under their names.

After the ban, they were unable to sell their properties and operate bank accounts. The foreigners had been denied them visa-free entry, indefinite stay in the country and exemption from foreigner registration requirements.