Pakistan has officially tightened its entry requirements for dual-nationality citizens, mandating that overseas Pakistanis traveling on foreign passports must possess a valid National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (Nicop) to enjoy visa-free access. According to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), individuals attempting to travel with an expired or invalid Nicop will be denied entry. To avoid complications, airlines have been strictly instructed to prevent passengers from boarding unless they can present either a valid, current Nicop or a pre-approved Pakistani visa.

This policy shift aims to clear up widespread confusion and misinformation circulating online, ensuring all travelers are aware of the necessary documentation before heading to the airport. For the millions of Pakistanis living abroad—including the significant diaspora in the UAE and other Gulf nations—the Nicop serves as a vital document not only for travel but also for essential tasks like banking, property ownership, and accessing government services. Consequently, officials are urging all expatriates to proactively renew their expired cards to ensure seamless travel and avoid the logistical hurdles of obtaining a separate visa for their home country.