NADRA’s Pakistan Origin Card (POC): Benefits, Eligibility, and Application Process

The Pakistan Origin Card (POC) program, administered by NADRA, aims to help eligible foreigners maintain strong ties with their Pakistani heritage while offering a wide range of exclusive benefits.

The POC provides holders with multiple visa-free entries into Pakistan, indefinite stay without police reporting, and the right to own and manage property. Cardholders can also open bank accounts, enjoy fast-track immigration clearance, and use the POC as proof of identity in place of a National Identity Card. Importantly, it also grants eligibility for employment in Pakistan.

The Smart POC is tailored for individuals who, or whose parents, have renounced Pakistani citizenship and obtained nationality in countries that do not have dual nationality agreements with Pakistan. Foreign spouses of Pakistani citizens are also eligible. Applicants may include former Pakistani nationals, foreign nationals with Pakistani ancestry, or those married to Pakistani or ex-Pakistani citizens. However, citizens of India, Israel, Taiwan, unrecognized states, or enemy countries are not permitted under this program.

Pakistan currently has dual nationality agreements with 21 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and Australia. Applicants can conveniently apply for the Smart POC through the Pak ID Mobile App, which allows services such as new applications, renewals, modifications, and cancellations.

This initiative serves as a significant step for overseas Pakistanis and their families, ensuring they remain connected to their homeland while enjoying streamlined access to various rights and opportunities.