ISLAMABAD: In a major development, the government has allowed issue of Pakistan Origin Card (POC) to foreign nationals married to Pakistani citizens.
The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) had been barred from processing and issuing POCs during the tenure of former interior minister ChaudhryNisar. The decision had left in a limbo for over a year more than 3,500 foreign nationals married to Pakistanis. However, according to the new directives, those who already had a POC can get it renewed as per the procedure.
As for those who are applying for a POC for the first time, their applications will only be processed if they have been married to their Pakistani spouses for a period of at least five years. The applications for acquiring a card can only be submitted online on the NADRA website.
According to a document of the international operations department, 3,515 foreigners married to local men held moveable or immoveable properties in Pakistan and bank accounts under their names.
After the ban, they were unable to sell their properties and operate bank accounts.
The foreigners had been denied visa-free entry, indefinite stay in the country and exemption from foreigner registration requirements.
Published in Daily Times, March 16th 2018.
