In an important move to enhance its visa policy, the federal government of Pakistan has made a significant update regarding the issuance of visas for foreign newborns. This change is particularly relevant for diplomats and expatriates living in the country, aiming to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and make life a bit easier for families navigating international waters.
On January 16, 2025, the Ministry of Interior, guided by Secretary Khurram Agha, issued a new directive designed to simplify the process of obtaining exit permits and visas for the children of foreign residents. This initiative follows a Cabinet decision made on January 6, 2025, and has received positive feedback from various diplomatic missions and expatriate communities. It’s a step that not only echoes the government’s commitment to improving services but also reflects its intention to strengthen international relations.
The directive has been approved by Deputy Secretary (Visa) Ms. Shireen Hina and shared across all relevant ministries and government agencies for immediate implementation. Essentially, this reinforces the government’s pledge to enhance service efficiency, particularly for families who often feel overwhelmed by the red tape associated with international travel.
One of the standout features of the updated visa policy is how it simplifies the process for issuing exit permits. Previously, foreign parents had to navigate multiple steps that often led to confusion and delays. Now, all that’s required is a recent passport, significantly easing the burden for families preparing for international travel. For many couples juggling careers, diplomatic duties, and the logistics of parenthood, this change will likely come as a huge relief.
Moreover, this revisited policy bolsters global mobility for foreign residents, ensuring that the exit permits and visas for newborns are processed quickly. This is especially vital for diplomatic personnel and expatriates with pressing travel plans, who often find themselves in situations where time is of the essence.
For Pakistani parents residing abroad, there’s a noteworthy development as well: they can now obtain a Pakistani visa for their newborn simply based on the child’s recent passport. This change eliminates the previously required Emergency or Temporary Travel Document, making the entire process much more straightforward—although it’s worth noting that this policy doesn’t extend to the Humanitarian Safe House (HSH) category.
This reform not only makes it easier for families but also enhances Pakistan’s reputation on the international scene. By adopting a more accommodating stance toward foreign nationals, the country demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to administrative services—one that could attract global talent and investment.
To promote smoother integration of this new policy, NADRA (the National Database and Registration Authority) is set to incorporate these changes into the Pakistan Online Visa System (POVS). This enhancement will allow for digital applications, ultimately reducing the need for in-person visits—an increasingly important benefit in our digital age.
The widespread notification of this directive to key ministries, law enforcement bodies, and provincial governments highlights its significance at a national level. The government’s commitment to fostering digital governance and effective service delivery shines through these prompt reforms in the visa policy for foreign newborns.
As families look forward to traveling and settling down in a new environment, they can feel reassured knowing that the process is a little less daunting now, allowing them to focus on what truly matters—their new beginnings.
