Pakistani citizens residing in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can now apply for the National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) for themselves, their children, and other family members at the Pakistani embassies in these countries.

Both the Saudi Arabian and UAE missions have fully functional NADRA offices that provide a range of services, including NICOP, Child Registration Certificate (CRC), Family Registration Certificate (FRC), and biometric verification of the Succession Certificate.

Benefits of NICOP for Pakistani Nationals

The NICOP offers various benefits to its holders, including:

• The ability to enter Pakistan on a foreign passport without requiring a visa.
• Recognition as a Pakistani citizen while residing abroad.
• The right to buy and sell property in Pakistan.
• The ability to open a bank account in Pakistan.
• The right to obtain a Pakistani passport.
• Voting rights while in Pakistan during elections.

NICOP Fees in Saudi Arabia

There are three categories for applying for a fresh NICOP: Normal, Urgent, and Executive. Each category has a different processing time and fee structure. The fees in Saudi Arabia are:

• Normal: 75 Riyals
• Urgent: 110 Riyals
• Executive: 150 Riyals

NICOP Fees in UAE

The fees for applying for a fresh NICOP in the UAE are:

• Normal: 75 Dirhams
• Urgent: 110 Dirhams
• Executive: 150 Dirhams

Pakistani nationals intending to travel or settle in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, or any other Arab country for work purposes must also obtain an NICOP as part of the application process, with applicable fees based on the category chosen.