ABU DHABI: Pakistan’s diplomatic mission in the United Arab Emirates has announced that, effective July 20, only electronic passports (e-passports) will be issued to Pakistani nationals applying for new passports in the UAE.
According to the diplomatic mission, passport applications submitted at the Pakistani missions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai will be accepted exclusively under the e-passport category from the announced date onward.
The mission clarified that the new policy applies to fresh passport processing and is part of the transition to the country’s modern e-passport system, which incorporates enhanced security features and internationally recognized biometric technology.
Officials also assured Pakistani citizens that existing machine-readable passports (MRPs) will remain valid until their expiry dates. Holders of current passports will not be required to replace them immediately, and they may continue using them for travel as long as the documents remain valid.
In addition, the diplomatic mission confirmed that the online passport application service for overseas Pakistanis will continue without interruption, allowing eligible applicants to submit passport requests through the digital platform.
The introduction of e-passports is aimed at improving document security, reducing the risk of forgery and identity fraud, and facilitating smoother immigration procedures at airports equipped with electronic passport verification systems.
Pakistani nationals residing in the UAE who plan to apply for a new passport or renew an existing one have been advised to use the e-passport service from July 20 onward and follow the updated application procedures issued by the Pakistani diplomatic missions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The announcement marks another step in Pakistan’s ongoing modernization of its passport services for citizens living abroad while maintaining the validity of previously issued machine-readable passports until their expiration.
About The Author
