A national identity card is mandatory for those overseas Pakistanis who are living or working out of Pakistan. Mostly, they are worried about how to get a National Identity Card in Pakistan.
For this, we are going to provide a proper guideline on how they can get a national identity card in Pakistan while living abroad.
Let’s discuss this topic in this blog to guide overseas who are making a plan to live abroad and how can they apply? Moreover, we will discuss the criteria of the application process. So, let’s start!
What is NICOP?
NICOP stands for National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis. NICOP is a document issued to Pakistani citizens living abroad. If they travel abroad it’s necessary to keep it with them. Through this card, they are recognized as Pakistanis and it represents the nationality of the Pakistanis while they are living abroad.
Moreover, NICOP is issued by NADRA. People with dual nationality can apply for a national identity card and those also can apply whose parents are Pakistani but they are living abroad.
However, parents have to get the passport number of their children from the Pakistani embassy where they are residents.
Criteria of NICOP for Overseas Pakistanis
To get the National identity card (NICOP) from NADRA you have to match with a criterion which is mentioned below:
- One of the parents or blood relations is present physically. Need CNIC copy/original of any parent’s blood relation.
- Need biometric verification from parents or blood relation’s computerized identity card.
In case, parents or blood relation is CNIC holder but not present at the time of application. Applicant must be following these steps:
- Applicant must be present.
- Original/copy of CNIC or NICOP of parents or any blood relation.
- CRC or matric equivalent document certificate or passport.
- Attested computerized identity card form.
If parents or blood relation is ID cardholder but both are not present at the time of application. Then follow these steps:
- Applicant must be present.
- Original CNIC of parents or grandparents/any blood relation.
- Attested computerized identity card form.
- Presence of biometric witness of any CNIC holder along with an affidavit.
How can you apply for NICOP?
For the National identity card(NICOP) for overseas Pakistanis registration visit near the NADRA office, the other way is to visit the Pak Identity portal.
Apply for NICOP through NADRA Office
To apply, visit the nearest NADRA center or mega center. And follow the given procedure:
- Get the token from the counter.
- After that, you will be called for photographs.
- Then the case officer will take the fingerprints and signature of the applicant.
- Further, you have to provide the details and relevant documents.
- Next, the case officer will hand over a printed form that you have to attest by the gazetted government officer.
- After attestation, you have to submit the form near the registration center.
How to apply for NICOP through Pak Identity Portal
Now NADRA has launched the Pak Identity Portal for overseas Pakistanis. They can easily go to the portal and apply for a National Identity card (NICOP) for overseas Pakistanis. It’s not far away from overseas to get the NICOP. Just applicant needs to follow the steps that are given below:
- Open any browser and go to Pak Identity Portal, click sign up, and a form will open on your screen.
- You must enter your information such as name, phone number, email, etc.
- Then you will be verifying after getting the code on your number or email address. The applicant’s account will be created.
- Further, an applicant will be able to log in after entering the credentials. And go to NICOP and click on it.
- Three categories will be opened to your screen “NICOP RENEWAL”, “NICOP CANCELLATION”, AND “NICOP MODIFICATION”. Choose the relevant category.
- Next, enter all the relevant information and documents.
- Applicants must have to pay the registration fee via credit or debit card.
After submitting the form, the card will be delivered to the applicant’s given address.
Moreover, the applicant can check the status of the card, and NADRA will notify regarding the status of the card or document through SMS or Email.
Benefits of NICOP
NICOP holders can enjoy many benefits that are listed below:
- An applicant can cast the vote in elections.
- Can open and manage a bank account in Pakistan.
- Applicants can invest in Pakistan via opening a Roshan Digital Account for overseas Pakistanis.
Moreover, overseas Pakistanis have the biggest opportunity to invest in Pakistan. They have different options for investment such as investment in real estate, investment in the stock market, managing bank deposits, etc.
Conclusion
Lastly, the registration of the National identity card |(NICOP) for overseas Pakistanis is convenient from NADRA. Applicants can apply both ways by being physically present in Pakistan or via Pak Identity Portal. And, enjoy the benefits of NICOP after getting NICOP.
Eventually, they will get an opportunity to get higher returns by investing in lucrative investment projects in Pakistan after getting the NICOP.
