The National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) is a crucial document that provides overseas Pakistanis with essential services and benefits while residing or traveling outside of Pakistan.
As an official identity card issued by the Government of Pakistan, NICOP grants you the convenience of hassle-free travel and access to consular services and ensures your rights and privileges are protected while you’re away from your home country.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the importance of the NADRA Card Renewal, the benefits it offers, and the process of modifying it to ensure uninterrupted services abroad.
Understanding The Significance Of NICOP:
The NICOP holds immense importance for overseas Pakistanis as it serves as a primary identification document, enabling them to prove their nationality and access a wide range of services while abroad. It acts as proof of identity, legalizes your stay, and safeguards your rights as a Pakistani citizen residing outside the country.
A valid National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis usually offers a resident of the country the following perks:
- Entry into the land of Pakistan without a visa on foreign passports
- Protection of each right enjoyed by all Pakistanis
- Complete recognition as a normal Pakistani citizen
- Ability to open any bank account in the country
- Access to opt for MRP or Machine Readable Passport
- A valid proof of citizenship of Pakistan
- Ability to purchase and sell real estate in and around the nation
That being said, every immigrant in Pakistan must own an NICOP for the betterment of their experiences.
Who Qualifies For The Application Of NICOP?
Welcome to the most interesting section of the article. If you, too, are thinking about who can apply for this national ID card, we will tell you. Pakistanis residing out of the country are able to fill out the application for NICOP. In order to be recognized as an overseas Pakistani, an individual must fulfill the following requirements:
- Possessing a valid visa of any foreign land with validity but not less than a period of 6 months. Also, it must be on a Pakistani passport.
- Owning a foreign passport with a dual nationality country. It should be either one of the following nations: France, Canada, Belgium, the United States, Australia, and Finland.
- Other categories also include Egypt, Syria, Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Iceland, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, and Bahrain.
- Possessing a Residence Permit Card, Indefinite Stay Card, Sojourn, Green Card, or Resident Card issued by the resident country.
Updating Your NICOP: Reasons And Process:
To ensure uninterrupted services abroad, it is crucial to keep your NICOP up-to-date. There are several reasons for modifying your NICOP, such as:
- Change in Personal Information: If you experience any changes in your name, address, marital status, or other personal details, updating your NICOP is essential.
- Expiry of NICOP: Ensure that your NICOP is renewed before its expiration date to avoid any inconvenience during your stay abroad.
- Lost or Damaged NICOP: In case of loss or damage to your NICOP, modifying it with the correct information is vital for continued services.
The Process Of Modifying Your NICOP Involves The Following Steps:
Updating or modifying your NICOP is not at all a big deal. You just need a handful of stuff, documents, and some incurred charges. Are you all set to modify such a critical document of yours and travel abroad seamlessly? Check out the following requirements of updating your NICOP:
1. Online Application:
Visit the official website of the NADRA Card Center to access the online application form.
2. Gather Required Documents:
Prepare the necessary documents, such as a passport, proof of residency, photographs, and any relevant supporting documents for the changes you wish to make.
3. Submit Application:
Complete the online form and submit it along with the required documents to the designated authorities.
4. Biometric Verification:
In some cases, you may need to undergo a biometric verification process to validate your identity.
5. Await Approval:
After submitting your application, wait for the processing and approval of your modified NICOP.
Benefits Of Having A Valid NICOP:
Having a valid NICOP unlocks a plethora of benefits for overseas Pakistanis. Some of the key advantages include:
- Visa-Free Entry
- Banking and Financial Services
- Property Ownership
- Consular Services
- Employment Opportunities
- Voting Rights
How Do I Apply For The National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis?
Just like updating your NICOP, applying for a national card is not a big deal. You can opt for it by either visiting the Pak Identity website or getting yourself registered on the NADRA Registration Centre. Suppose you already have a 13-digit NADRA ID card number; it is easy to get the ID Card converted into an NICOP.
Online Application On Pak Identity Website
As said above, one can easily apply for the SNICOP or “Smart National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis” on the Pak Identity Website. They will get it delivered to your doorstep. The only thing you have to do is get yourself registered on the website, followed by submitting all required documents.
Application Through NRC Or Nadra Registration Centre
You might apply for NICOP by hopping onto the nearest NRC. At first, you will have to issue a token where the authority will capture a photo of yours. Next, they might take your signature as well as fingerprints.
The necessary data entry usually takes a few minutes, and you will get to review the form all by yourself. Finally, you will be handed an application form or, most probably, its printed version.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, your NICOP is a vital document that ensures seamless services and benefits while living or traveling abroad as a Pakistani citizen. By keeping your NICOP up-to-date through modification, you can avoid interruptions in services and access a host of privileges. Make use of the online application process and follow the necessary steps to ensure your NICOP remains valid and relevant.
Whether it’s for visa-free travel, consular services, or property ownership, having an updated NICOP guarantees a smooth and enjoyable experience as an overseas Pakistani.
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