Starting July 20, the Pakistani diplomatic missions in the UAE, including the Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai, will exclusively issue e-passports for all renewal and new applications. This policy shift aligns the nation’s travel documentation with global standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The transition follows a broader government decision to phase out traditional machine-readable passports in favor of the more secure, chip-embedded electronic versions.

For Pakistani citizens currently living in the UAE, this change does not necessitate an immediate rush to the embassy. Existing machine-readable passports remain fully valid until their printed expiry dates. Officials have specifically advised residents to refrain from applying for a renewal until their current document is within six months of expiration. By streamlining this process, the embassy aims to ensure a smooth transition to the upgraded e-passport system for the entire expatriate community.