Efficient Passport Acquisition Process for Pakistani Nationals in Saudi Arabia
Pakistani citizens residing in Saudi Arabia can now benefit from a streamlined and cost-free passport acquisition process, thanks to the latest announcement by the Pakistani government. These new measures are designed to cater specifically to the needs of overseas Pakistanis in the Kingdom, offering them enticing advantages, particularly in obtaining urgent passport services without any charges.
The process for availing these benefits involves transferring foreign currency to Pakistan through authorized banking channels. The Pakistan Embassy in Saudi Arabia oversees the administration of Foreign Exchange Remittance Cards (FERCs), which are provided to eligible individuals based on the amount of remittance they make to Pakistan through banking channels.
Different categories of FERCs are available, each corresponding to specific remittance thresholds and offering various incentives, such as duty credits at airports. These categories include Silver, Silver Plus, Golden, Golden Plus, and Platinum Cards, with each tier providing different levels of benefits based on the remittance amounts.
Categories of Cards alongwith amount of Remittance and incentives
To expedite the processing of passport applications, individuals must meet certain documentation requirements. This involves obtaining blank Remittance Book and Application Forms from the Welfare Wing of the Embassy of Pakistan in Riyadh. Additionally, applicants need to provide photocopies of relevant passport and Iqama pages, along with two recent passport-sized photographs.
Furthermore, applicants are required to submit original bank receipts as proof of their foreign currency remittances to Pakistan. Upon thorough scrutiny and verification of these documents by Embassy officials, applicants are issued the FER Card, which facilitates expedited passport services.
In the most recent update as of March 2024, holders of Golden, Golden Plus, and Platinum Cards are entitled to obtain an urgent passport from the Embassy free of charge as part of the incentive package. Moreover, the Embassy has outlined the fees for urgent passports with various page counts and validity durations to ensure transparency and convenience for applicants.
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Benefits of the Streamlined Process:
- Cost-Free Passport Acquisition: Pakistani nationals in Saudi Arabia can obtain urgent passports without incurring any fees, enhancing accessibility for overseas Pakistanis.
- Efficiency and Convenience: The streamlined process reduces bureaucratic hurdles, allowing for swift passport processing, thereby saving time and effort for applicants.
- Tailored Incentives: The categorization of FERCs based on remittance amounts ensures that individuals receive incentives commensurate with their contributions to Pakistan’s economy.
Requirements to Obtain the FER Card
- Obtain blank Remittance Book and Application Forms from the Welfare Wing of the Embassy of Pakistan in Riyadh.
- Provide photocopies of relevant passport and Iqama pages, along with two recent passport-sized photographs.
- Submit original bank receipts as evidence of foreign currency remittances to Pakistan.
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Conclusion:
The initiatives undertaken by the Pakistani government to streamline the passport acquisition process for overseas Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia underscore its commitment to facilitating the needs of its diaspora.
By offering cost-free and expedited services, coupled with transparent procedures and tailored incentives, the government aims to strengthen its bond with overseas Pakistanis and foster greater economic contributions from abroad.
