New rules for expired NICOP holders

The Ministry of Interior has issued new guidelines barring Pakistani dual nationals with expired or cancelled National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) from entering the country.

Under the new instructions, the restriction will apply to passengers arriving from all countries. According to Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officials, travellers must possess either a valid NICOP or a Pakistani visa along with their foreign passport.

The ministry has informed all airlines of the revised policy and directed them not to allow such passengers to board flights bound for Pakistan. Sources said the Ministry of Interior had also notified immigration authorities of the new guidelines, which have been implemented at airports across the country.

FIA officials said passengers arriving with expired or cancelled NICOPs would be returned on the next available flight. They said airlines had previously transported passengers holding expired or cancelled NICOPs, while some travellers were also allowed to board after presenting only the application token issued when applying for a NICOP.

Under the new guidelines, however, airlines have been instructed to strictly enforce the revised requirements.